Overview

This bill, the Stalking (Sentencing) Bill, aims to increase the maximum prison sentence for stalking offences in England and Wales from five to ten years. This change seeks to provide courts with stronger sentencing options for perpetrators of stalking, reflecting the severity of such crimes.

Description

The bill amends Section 4A(5) of the Protection from Harassment Act 1997. Specifically, it alters subsection (5)(a) by replacing "five years" with "ten years" as the maximum sentence for stalking offences involving fear of violence or serious alarm or distress. The bill applies to England and Wales and will come into effect six months after it is passed.

Government Spending

The bill is unlikely to have a significant direct impact on government spending. The increased sentencing powers may indirectly lead to increased costs associated with longer prison sentences, but no specific figures are provided in the bill text.

Groups Affected

• Victims of stalking: May benefit from increased sentencing deterrents, potentially leading to reduced instances of stalking and increased feelings of safety and security.
• Perpetrators of stalking: Face the potential for significantly longer prison sentences if convicted of stalking offences.
• The Judiciary: Will have access to a wider range of sentencing options when dealing with stalking cases.
• The Prison Service: May experience increased demands on prison capacity due to longer sentences for stalking offences.

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