Overview

The Counter-Terrorism and Sentencing Bill aims to increase the punishment for terrorist offences and restrict the early release of convicted terrorists. It introduces new sentencing measures, including "serious terrorism sentences," and modifies existing early release provisions.

Description

The bill significantly alters sentencing and release provisions for terrorist offenders across England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. Key changes include:

Sentencing

• Serious Terrorism Sentences: Introduces mandatory extended sentences for serious terrorism offences, with minimum terms and extension periods of at least 7 years and up to 25 years depending on age and the likelihood of causing multiple deaths.
• Extended Sentences for Additional Offences: Expands the range of offences that can attract extended sentences, including those related to explosives, biological and chemical weapons.
• Increased Maximum Sentences: Raises the maximum prison sentences for certain terrorism-related offences.
• Special Custodial Sentences: Creates a new special custodial sentence for terrorist offenders of particular concern, including those under 18 at the time of the offence.
• Reduction in Sentence for Guilty Pleas and Assistance to Prosecution: Allows for reductions in sentences for guilty pleas and for providing assistance to the prosecution, but ensures that the minimum sentence is still substantial.

Release

• Removal or Restriction of Early Release: Restricts or removes early release for dangerous terrorist prisoners, ensuring they serve a larger portion of their sentences before becoming eligible for release.
• Polygraph Conditions: Allows for polygraph testing as a condition of release for terrorist offenders.
• Repatriated Prisoners: Ensures that terrorist prisoners repatriated to the UK are subject to the same stringent release conditions.

Terrorism Prevention and Investigation Measures (TPIMs)

• Expanded Powers: Expands the powers available for TPIMs, including the ability to impose polygraph and drug testing measures and extend the time limit on TPIM notices.
• Variation of Measures: Allows for the variation of relocation measures under TPIMs, enabling the efficient use of resources whilst maintaining the effectiveness of the measure.

Government Spending

The bill is likely to increase government spending on the justice system due to increased prison terms, the need for more resources for monitoring and supervision of released offenders, and the implementation of new preventative measures. Exact figures are not provided in the bill text.

Groups Affected

• Terrorist Offenders: Will face significantly longer prison sentences and stricter release conditions.
• Judges and Courts: Will have additional responsibilities in applying the new sentencing guidelines and assessing risk.
• Prison Service: Will need to manage an increased prison population and implement new procedures.
• Police: Will have expanded powers in relation to TPIMs and serious crime prevention orders.
• Public: Will potentially benefit from increased public safety through stricter sentencing and monitoring of terrorists, but may also experience increased tax burden and a potential expansion of government surveillance.

Powered by nyModel