Cut Sentences Plea

The starting point for standard tariffs in murder cases should drop two years to 12 years, the Sentencing Advisory Panel said this week.

It recommended to the Court of Appeal three starting points for murderers: 12 years where there are no aggravating or mitigating features; eight or nine years where there are strong mitigating circumstances; and 15 or 16 years where there are aggravating factors.

In 2000, the starting point of 14 years was set for basic cases.

That year, released murderers had served an average 12.6 years.

The panel suggested a sliding scale for young offenders from four years for ten-year-olds.