Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the decision to fine a member of the public who was found guilty of assaulting PC Karl Cinavas at a polling station during the election count for a Police and Crime Commissioner; and whether, in the light of this event, they will review the charging and sentencing guidelines to discourage attacks on the police and elected representatives.

Sentencing is a matter for our independent judiciary, who take into account all the facts of the case.

Sentencing guidelines specify that where an assault is committed against public sector workers or those providing a service to the public, this is an aggravating factor. This means offenders already face increased penalties, within statutory maximum terms.

The charging standard is a joint document agreed by the police and the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) to assist prosecutors and police officers in selecting the most appropriate charge. The charging decision in this case was made by the police.