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Crime Solicitors

Jail term mooted for those found carrying a knife twice (9 May 2014)

Date: 09/05/2014
Duncan Lewis, Crime Solicitors, Jail term mooted for those found carrying a knife twice

The Liberal Democrats have opposed plans by two Conservative MPs – and backed by Labour leader Ed Miliband – which would see the introduction of a six-month prison sentence for those found carrying a knife twice.

Enfield MPs Nick de Bois, MP for Enfield North – and David Burrowes, MP for Enfield Southgate – are campaigning to amend the Justice Bill.

They are also calling for a minimum four-month jail term for those aged under 18 found carrying a knife twice.

However, Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg has dismissed the proposal as a “headline grabbing” move by the Conservative Party.

Nick de Bois said that he was disappointed by Nick Clegg’s response – but welcomed the cross-party support for the campaign.

“I am deeply disappointed with the Deputy Prime Minister's response – and I urge him to reflect on his reasoning,” he said.

“We are not sending people to prison who carry a penknife.”

“I am pleased that there appears to be support from Labour and we hope that they will continue to support our campaign.”

David Burrowes said:

“Getting tougher knife-crime sentences should gain cross party support – and I am pleased Labour seem to be coming on board.”
In December 2012, the previous anti-knife campaign by the two Conservative MPs – “Don’t Carry Don’t Kill’ – became law and was nicknamed the Enfield Law.

Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe and London Mayor Boris Johnson have both said that Nick Clegg is “wrong” in opposing tougher sentences for carrying a knife – Mr Clegg claims the move may encourage young adults jailed for carrying a knife to become hardened criminals.

However, in London this week, two teenagers have been knifed to death.

Mr Johnson told London newspaper The Evening Standard:

“I do believe it’s vital that we work to educate and rehabilitate those caught up in the culture of knife carrying.”

“But equally it is imperative that police and the courts are given every support to tackle the scourge of knife crime. That means backing this amendment, not ducking the issue.”

Sir Bernard said that tougher laws were “vital” to prevent young adults dying as a result of knife culture among gangs.

Duncan Lewis Criminal Solicitors

Duncan Lewis criminal solicitors can advise at any stage of a criminal charge, including charges involving knife crime, gun crime, assault, GBH or possession of an offensive weapon in a public place.

Duncan Lewis criminal solicitors regularly visit police stations, courts and prisons, including the Youth Court and Young Offender Institutions.

For expert legal advice on any criminal charge, contact Duncan Lewis criminal solicitors on 020 7923 4020.

For out-of-hours legal advice on criminal charges and representation, contact the Duncan Lewis Criminal Solicitors Out-of-Hours Hotline on 07920 077057.


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