Six month minimum sentence proposed for repeat acid offenders
2 min read
Anyone caught possessing corrosive liquid without a genuine reason will automatically face a six month prison sentence, according to proposals from the Home Office.
The “two-strikes” rule would mirror knife crime legislation, which also gives those convicted of knife crime possession more than once, a six month sentence.
Reforms would also hold the seller accountable, with punishments for those who deliver knives to would-be offenders.
The Government announced plans to tackle the rise in acid attacks, after a spate of incidents across London this summer.
Authorities believe acid was adopted as a weapon by gangs after tougher penalties for knife crime were brought in.
Currently, corrosive substances are treated by prosecutors as offensive weapons, possession of which carries a maximum sentence of four years in prison.
The full Home Office consultation document revealed those facing a second offence would face a mandatory minimum sentence.
Corrosive acids would only be able to be purchased by over-18s, according to the recommendations.
Police recorded 408 attacks using corrosive substances between November 2016 and April this year.
“The use of corrosive substances as a weapon is centuries old, but whilst the number of offences is relatively small, we are concerned about its increasing use as a weapon,” the document says.
Home Secretary Amber Rudd, said: “All forms of violent crime are totally unacceptable, which is why we are taking action to restrict access to offensive weapons and crack down on those who carry acids with the intent to do harm.”
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