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Child knife sellers 'not jailed' | Child knife sellers 'not jailed' |
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No one was jailed for selling a knife to a child in England and Wales in the five years up to 2006, it has emerged. | No one was jailed for selling a knife to a child in England and Wales in the five years up to 2006, it has emerged. |
Most of the 71 people convicted of selling knives to under 16-year-olds were fined, but mostly less than £500, despite the maximum fine being £5,000. | Most of the 71 people convicted of selling knives to under 16-year-olds were fined, but mostly less than £500, despite the maximum fine being £5,000. |
Only one person was given a community sentence, despite the maximum sentence being six months in prison. | Only one person was given a community sentence, despite the maximum sentence being six months in prison. |
The figures, up to the end of 2006, were revealed following parliamentary questions by the Liberal Democrats. | The figures, up to the end of 2006, were revealed following parliamentary questions by the Liberal Democrats. |
Last year the ban on selling knives was extended to under-18s, but these figures are not yet available. | Last year the ban on selling knives was extended to under-18s, but these figures are not yet available. |
'Pitiful' | 'Pitiful' |
The Liberal Democrats described the fines imposed as "pitiful" and called for tougher penalties to send a message that selling knives to children is "unacceptable". | The Liberal Democrats described the fines imposed as "pitiful" and called for tougher penalties to send a message that selling knives to children is "unacceptable". |
The ways in which young people obtain knives has come under increase scrutiny in recent months in the wake of several high profile stabbings involving teenagers. | The ways in which young people obtain knives has come under increase scrutiny in recent months in the wake of several high profile stabbings involving teenagers. |
Research suggests the age of knife crime victims has been falling, with 17 teenagers in London alone having died from stab wounds since the start of the year. | |
But analysis of official data shows the number of people killed with a sharp instrument across the UK in the 10 years to 2006 has remained stable at about 200 annually. | |
BBC Home Affairs Correspondent Danny Shaw said Justice Minister Jack Straw had set up a review of knife crime sentencing, to make sure the system was clear, proportionate and working effectively. | BBC Home Affairs Correspondent Danny Shaw said Justice Minister Jack Straw had set up a review of knife crime sentencing, to make sure the system was clear, proportionate and working effectively. |
The legislation covering sales is enforced by council trading standards officers. Test purchases are commonly carried using underage volunteers. | The legislation covering sales is enforced by council trading standards officers. Test purchases are commonly carried using underage volunteers. |
Meanwhile, under new guidelines for police and prosecutors, anyone aged 16 or over in England and Wales who carries a knife could be taken to court. | Meanwhile, under new guidelines for police and prosecutors, anyone aged 16 or over in England and Wales who carries a knife could be taken to court. |
Previous police guidance was to prosecute adults caught with a knife, but to caution those under 18. | Previous police guidance was to prosecute adults caught with a knife, but to caution those under 18. |
Conservative leader David Cameron says the presumption should go further - so anyone convicted of carrying a knife should be jailed. | Conservative leader David Cameron says the presumption should go further - so anyone convicted of carrying a knife should be jailed. |