The Sentencing Council have announced that they have published new sentencing guidelines on assault offences for judges and magistrates.
The guidelines aim to ensure a consistent and proportionate approach to sentencing, with convicted offenders receiving a sentence that reflects both the harm they have caused to their victim and their culpability. There are separate guidelines for Crown Courts and for Magistrates Courts.
The guidelines which has been issued following a 12-week public consultation, will come into effect on 13 June. Although primarily aimed at criminal justice professionals, the guidelines are specifically designed to be accessible and clear both to victims and to the public.