23/12/09 - Just two people receive maximum knife sentence

Conservatives have stepped up pressure on the Government’s crime prevention record following recent revelations that just two people have received the new maximum sentence of four years for possession of a knife since 2007.

The Government has promised time and again that it will be tough on violent crime, but Conservatives revealed this week that the majority of violent offenders are let off with a caution.

The knife crime statistics show that even the most serious offenders are getting away with it.

Commenting on the government’s lack of action, Conservative Parliamentary Candidate for Middlesbrough South & East Cleveland, Paul Bristow said:

"The government’s stance on knife crime is based on spin. They sounded tough when they upped the sentence but in practice this has not been used because of mismanagement of the prison system and lack of space.  We deserve better after all the work that has gone in Middlesbrough to raise awareness of and tackle knife crime.

"The most senior policemen in the country have also commented on the fact that serious criminals are being let off with nothing more than a caution. This is not a party political issue but a matter of public safety. This government has shown a woeful lack of understanding about the drivers behind crime.  One of the most important aspects of tackling any crime is sending a message that it will not be tolerated.  The chief way of doing this is through the court system and tough sentencing."