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Only defendants who plead guilty the first time they are asked to enter a plea will get the maximum one-third sentence reduction, under reforms to encourage early admissions.
The Reduction in Sentence for a Guilty Plea Guideline consultation, closing on 5 May, introduces a sliding scale of sentence reductions with maximum credit reserved for those who plead guilty the first time they are asked in court.
Those who plead guilty at a later time, but before trial, will get a reduction of one-fifth. Those who plead guilty on the day of trial will get one-tenth taken off and those who plead during the trial will get no discount.
Mark Fenhalls QC, Chairman of the Criminal Bar Association, cautioned against making the guidelines ‘straitjackets’ that prevent judges doing justice.
Only defendants who plead guilty the first time they are asked to enter a plea will get the maximum one-third sentence reduction, under reforms to encourage early admissions.
The Reduction in Sentence for a Guilty Plea Guideline consultation, closing on 5 May, introduces a sliding scale of sentence reductions with maximum credit reserved for those who plead guilty the first time they are asked in court.
Those who plead guilty at a later time, but before trial, will get a reduction of one-fifth. Those who plead guilty on the day of trial will get one-tenth taken off and those who plead during the trial will get no discount.
Mark Fenhalls QC, Chairman of the Criminal Bar Association, cautioned against making the guidelines ‘straitjackets’ that prevent judges doing justice.
Far-ranging month for the Chair of the Bar
Endometriosis Awareness North, a charity raising awareness of endometriosis and supporting those affected across the North of England, has received a £500 boost from AlphaBiolabs via the company’s Giving Back initiative
Marie Law, Director of Toxicology at AlphaBiolabs, examines the most recent data on alcohol misuse in the UK, and the implications for alcohol testing in family proceedings
Clement Cowley, Partner at The Penny Group, explains how tailored financial planning can help barristers take control of their finances and plan with confidence
Marie Law, Director of Toxicology at AlphaBiolabs
A £500 donation from AlphaBiolabs has been made to the leading UK charity tackling international parental child abduction and the movement of children across international borders
Seeing the full picture – Baljit Ubhey OBE outlines the CPS action plan to tackle violence against women and girls, offering insights directly relevant to courtroom practice
Heritage as an anchor and a compass, finding our common humanity and embracing the power of the outsider – Melina Antoniadis’s lessons learnt
Is the Judicial Conduct Investigations Office process fit for purpose? Women barristers’ experiences of bullying are not being reported or, if they are, they are not making it through the system, says Tana Adkin KC
Review by Daniel Barnett
Chair of the Bar reports back
