Oral Answers to Questions

Andrew Bridgen Excerpts

Thursday 16th November 2017 Commons Chamber

[Mims Davies (Eastleigh) (Con)]

3. What recent assessment he has made of the effectiveness of the unduly lenient sentence scheme.

[Andrew Bridgen (North West Leicestershire) (Con)]

11. What recent assessment he has made of the effectiveness of the unduly lenient sentence scheme.

--- Later in debate ---

[The Solicitor General]

Indeed. We use every type of media, including social media, to raise awareness. We also use local radio interviews and I personally conduct a number of cases in the Court of Appeal on behalf of the Government. The results show an increase in the number of referrals.

[Andrew Bridgen]

A number of my constituents are concerned at what they see as unduly lenient sentences handed down to some people who have been convicted of causing death by dangerous driving. Will my hon. and learned Friend confirm how many such sentences have been reviewed and increased?

[The Solicitor General]

The offences of causing death by dangerous driving and causing death by careless driving under the influence of drink and drugs are in the regime, and since the beginning of 2015 eight cases of that nature have been referred to the Court of Appeal, five sentences have been increased and one is currently pending, even today.