§ 98 Clause 76, page 50, line 18, after 'court' insert '—(i) for a first such offence'.
§
99 Clause 76, page 50, line 21, at end insert', or to both; and
(ii) for any subsequent such offence to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 6 months, or to the fine mentioned in sub-paragraph (i) above, or to both'.
§ The Earl of MANSFIELDMy Lords, I beg to move Amendments Nos. 98 and 99. At present, Clause 76 provides for a maximum sentence of imprisonment of three months on conviction for vandalism in the sheriff summary court. The purpose of these amendments is to provide for a maximum sentence of six months in the case of a second or subsequent offence of vandalism. They thus reinforce the basic purpose of Clause 76, which is, by creating a statutory offence of vandalism, to enable courts to identify persistent offenders and to impose appropriate deterrent penalties upon them. They were made in another place in fulfilment of an undertaking which I gave to the noble and learned Lord, Lord Wilson of Langside, when the Bill was before your Lordships' House on Report. I beg to move.
§ Moved, That this House doth agree with the Commons in the said amendments.—(The Earl of Mansfield.)
§ On Question, Motion agreed to.