The Sentencing Council has issued two guidelines that come into force this week (as of 1 October) in all courts across England and Wales.
First, the General Guideline and Expanded Explanations is for sentencing offences that do not have a specific sentencing guideline, or where some factors are not covered. It replaces the Seriousness guideline, which has been withdrawn. Second, the Arson and Criminal Damage guideline will see the courts take full account of the harm caused by offences such as arson attacks on historic buildings or criminal damage leading to severe disruption of public services.
