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| 'Lighter terms' for addict thefts | |
| (about 4 hours later) | |
| Thieves who target vulnerable victims, such as the elderly, may not be sent to jail in future - if it is shown they were motivated by desperation or need. | Thieves who target vulnerable victims, such as the elderly, may not be sent to jail in future - if it is shown they were motivated by desperation or need. |
| The Sentencing Guidelines Council (SGC), which advises courts in England and Wales, will call for more community orders instead of prison sentences. | The Sentencing Guidelines Council (SGC), which advises courts in England and Wales, will call for more community orders instead of prison sentences. |
| At present, all thieves who target vulnerable victims can expect to serve at least 18 weeks in jail. | |
| In future, drug or gambling addiction could be seen as a mitigating factor. | |
| But higher sentences could be handed out if items stolen are worth more than £2,000 or are of high sentimental value, the guidelines said. | But higher sentences could be handed out if items stolen are worth more than £2,000 or are of high sentimental value, the guidelines said. |
| Among other planned changes is a suggestion that thieves who steal from shops could escape prison even if they use force which causes a victim minor injuries. | Among other planned changes is a suggestion that thieves who steal from shops could escape prison even if they use force which causes a victim minor injuries. |
| But those who shop-lift from small, independent traders will be given stiffer sentences than thieves who target large chain stores. | But those who shop-lift from small, independent traders will be given stiffer sentences than thieves who target large chain stores. |
| A panel which advises the SGC says the proposals could mean that 20% of shoplifters are treated more leniently. | A panel which advises the SGC says the proposals could mean that 20% of shoplifters are treated more leniently. |
| Vulnerable victims | Vulnerable victims |
| The SGC is chaired by the Lord Chief Justice for England and Wales, Lord Phillips, and is formed of senior judges, barristers, police officers and criminal law experts. | The SGC is chaired by the Lord Chief Justice for England and Wales, Lord Phillips, and is formed of senior judges, barristers, police officers and criminal law experts. |
| It is recommending that in future theft from the vulnerable - such as the elderly - could be punishable by a community order if the perpetrator steals to support a drug or alcohol habit or gambling addiction. | It is recommending that in future theft from the vulnerable - such as the elderly - could be punishable by a community order if the perpetrator steals to support a drug or alcohol habit or gambling addiction. |
| It is also suggesting that the maximum imprisonment for cases involving force or intimidation against a vulnerable victim be reduced from seven to three years. | It is also suggesting that the maximum imprisonment for cases involving force or intimidation against a vulnerable victim be reduced from seven to three years. |
| The guidelines, which do not cover house burglary offences, are open for consultation until May. |