Victims and bereaved families will now have six months to challenge 'unduly lenient' sentences, up from the previous 28-day limit, under changes announced by Justice Secretary David Lammy. The reform addresses concerns that grieving families and traumatised victims cannot be expected to engage with the justice system within a month of a heinous crime.
The unduly lenient sentence scheme allows any member of the public to refer a sentence to the attorney general or solicitor general if they believe it is too lenient. The government will also introduce a legal duty in the Victims' Code to notify survivors of the scheme's existence, following reports that many families were unaware of their rights.
Tracey Hanson, whose son Josh was murdered in 2019, campaigned for the change after her appeal arrived at 8.40pm on the 28th day and was deemed 'outside court hours'. She said the reform was 'a testament to her son's memory' after a seven-year campaign. Katie Brett, whose sister Sasha Marsden was murdered at age 16, also welcomed the change, noting her family was not told of their right to challenge the sentence until it was too late.
The right to appeal remains restricted to serious crimes tried in the crown court, including murder, manslaughter, robbery, rape, stalking, and most child sexual abuse offences. Other members of the public will still have 28 days to refer a case. The changes will be enacted through amendments to the victims and courts bill currently in parliament.
Shadow justice minister Kieran Mullan cautiously welcomed the move, calling it 'a step forward' that reflects the strength of feeling from victims and campaigners.
