Pendle MP backs sentencing by victims (From Lancashire Telegraph)

Pendle MP backs sentencing by victims

8:00pm Thursday 18th October 2012 in News

AN East Lancashire MP has welcomed new pans to toughen up on community sentences and give victims a say.

Pendle MP Andrew Stevenson welcomed the plans unveiled by Home Secretary Theresa May at the Conservative Party Conference in Birmingham.

Under the new Community Remedy, victims of anti-social behaviour and low-level crime will be given the right to choose a ‘Community Payback’ punishment for the perpetrator of their crime.

New Police and Crime Commissioners, who will be elected next month, will provide a list for victims to choose an appropriate punishment for perpetrators sentenced to an out-of-court community punishment.

Pendle MP Mr Stephenson said: “For too long the victims of anti-social behaviour have felt ignored and their concerns have not been taken seriously enough.

“So-called ‘low-level crime’ can cause misery to victims but they often feel let down.

“With the Community Remedy, victims of anti-social behaviour will be put first and will have the chance to choose the punishment which the offender receives. The punishment could be restorative or punitive, carried out nearby or as far away as possible but all the punishments will have one thing in common: They will be chosen by the victim.”