Ahead of the vote on the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts
Bill, Labour has revealed a catalogue of cases in which rapists
received shorter sentences that the Government’s proposed maximum
sentence for damaging a statue.
The cases include that of John McDonald who raped schoolgirl
under 13, but received a 7 year sentence, and the case of John
Patrick who raped a 13 year old, but received just a 7 year
sentence.
On Monday, the Government’s Policing Minister, , defended the government’s Police, Crime,
Sentencing and Courts Bill which allows someone attacking a
statue to receive up to a 10-year term in prison, when rape
sentences start at five years. He said the 10 year sentence for
damaging statues reflects their “emotional
value”.
MP,
Labour’s Shadow Justice Secretary, said:
“The Government’s apparent belief that it is acceptable for some
rapists and other attackers of women to get lower sentences than
those who damage statues is a disgrace.
“By failing to mention women once, the Police, Crime, Courts and
Sentencing Bill misses an opportunity to tackle the violence
against women and girls that is forcing so many to live in fear.
“The Government should work with Labour to implement its package
of proposals to increase sentences for rapists and stalkers, as
well as to criminalise street harassment, make misogyny a hate
crime and tackle the culture of misogyny that underpins violence
against women and girls.”
Ends
Notes to editors
