PARLIAMENTARY WRITTEN QUESTION
Sentencing (22 March 2023)

The Unduly Lenient Sentence scheme is an important mechanism to ensure that victims of crime can have confidence that justice will be served. The Victims’ Code entitles victims to be informed about the scheme, promptly after sentence, so that they may refer sentences for consideration by the Law Officers within the time limit. The Attorney General’s Office receives requests to review sentences from victims; their family members; the CPS; the police; MPs and members of the public. In 2022, 139 sentences were referred to the Court of Appeal and in 95 cases (68%), sentences were increased.