The government is to introduce three new criminal offences – and longer prison sentences – for those who assault on-duty first responders or prison officers.
The announcement, by Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith, coincided with the introduction of the government’s new sentencing regime which came into effect on 29 June and includes, among other things, a 40% on sentencing discounts.
Under the proposed new offences:
- Assaulting a first responder or prison officer will have a maximum sentence of three years’ imprisonment. This expands an existing provision on assaulting police to cover all first responders and prison officers.
- Assaulting a first responder or prison officer with intent to injure will have a maximum sentence of five years’ imprisonment. This is a two-year increase in penalty from the standard offence.
- Injuring a first responder or prison officer with intent to injure will have a maximum sentence of seven years’ imprisonment and will be added to Three Strikes to ensure mandatory minimum sentences in line with that regime. This is also a two-year increase in penalty from the standard offence.
“Where others may flee, first responders and prison officers run towards danger to help those who need urgent assistance,” Goldsmith said. “Assaulting them puts multiple lives at risk, so there must be greater consequences for these heinous acts of violence. Our hardworking police officers, firefighters, paramedics and prison officers deserve better.”
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