Legal News

Celebrities who use their fame to help them commit sexual offences may receive longer sentences in a shake up of sentencing in the criminal justice system.

The Sentencing Council says that a star’s previous behaviour could also count against them, as being seen to be of “good character” may be interpreted by the courts as being a means to helping them committing sexual offences.

Chairman of the Sentencing Council Lord Justice Treacy said:

"This guideline will make real changes to the way offenders are sentenced for these very serious, sensitive and complex offences.

"It will help judges and magistrates sentence in a way which protects our communities from this kind of offending and the suffering it causes."

Those who use their perceived “good character” as a public figure to commit serious crime like rape and sexual assault will face the new sentencing guidelines due to be introduced from 2014. The top categories in the most serious crimes like rape will carry a minimum sentence of 15 years.

The reforms also cover crimes like trafficking and child sexual offences.

The sentencing reforms will also take more account of the psychological effects of crime on victims.

Wellknown celebrities like Jimmy Savile have in recent years been uncovered as sexual predators and child sexual abusers under Operation Yewtree. The bravery of some victims in coming forward with evidence has been praised by police officers.

The overhaul of sentencing will also cover the grooming of youngsters and underage victims by gangs and online via social media sites. Photographing, viewing or recording sexual abuse or sex offences using technology such as webcams will also be taken account by the new sentencing reforms.

The new sentencing guidelines will replace the 2004 guidelines.

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