Crime: Stalking

Debate between Earl of Courtown and Lord Taylor of Holbeach

Tuesday 12th March 2013 Lords Chamber

[Lord Taylor of Holbeach]

Yes. It is quite interesting that in the Crime Survey for England and Wales, 4.2% of females complained of being stalked and 2.7% of men also complained of being victims. It affects people regardless of gender.

[The Earl of Courtown]

My Lords, I seem to remember that prior to 1997 Lord McIntosh of Haringey, a friend of the whole House, had a Private Member’s Bill that was supported by Her Majesty’s Government and Lady Blatch. What was the effect of that Bill on the offence relating to stalking?

[Lord Taylor of Holbeach]

Until the existing offences came in in November, prosecutions had to rely on the Protection from Harassment Act 1997, which shows how long ago it is that this specific crime was legislated for. We now have some new offences. I have tried to reassure the House that by May we will know what the impact of these new offences will be on prosecutions, and I hope that we will see this particular crime being stamped out in the way that it should be.