HC Deb 11 July 1994 vol 246 cc435-6W
Dr. Godman

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many reported cases of endangering safety or obstructions there were in each of the past five years in(a) Strathclyde, (b) Scotland and (c) Great Britain; how many of these led to criminal convictions; what was the range of sentences imposed upon those convicted; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Freeman

[holding answer 6 July 1994]: Information for 1989 to 1991 is not readily available and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost. That which is available is as follows:

Endangering Safety
1989 1990 1991 1992 1993
Number of reported offences
Strathclyde n/a n/a n/a 11 15
Scotland n/a 21 8 19 30
Great Britain 1,067 848 783 642 754
Number of convictions
Strathclyde n/a n/a n/a 5 6
Scotland n/a n/a n/a 5 6
Great Britain n/a n/a n/a 26 71

SentencingOver the past two year period 1992 and 1993, the range of sentencing that has been implemented for the offence of Endangering Safety is as follows:

Fines From £12 to £500.
Community Service From 50 to 200 hours.
Imprisonment From 28 days to 2 years.
Probation From 6 months to 3 years.

Apart from the above, some cases have involved the accused being bound over, conditionally discharged or sent to an attendance centre.

Obstruction
1989 1990 1991 1992 1993
Number of reported offences
Strathclyde N/a N/a N/a 134 135
Scotland N/a 446 333 238 223
Great Britain 4,070 3,426 2,955 2,585 2,537
Number of convictions
Strathclyde N/a N/a N/a 1 5
Scotland N/a N/a N/a 3 5
Great Britain N/a N/a N/a 49 78

SentencingOver the two-year period 1992 and 1993, the range of sentencing implemented for the offence of obstruction was as follows:

Fines From £10 to £350
Community Service From 40 to 200 hours
Imprisonment From one day to 12 months
Probation From six months to 12 months

Apart from the above, some cases involved the accused being bound over, conditionally discharged or sent to an attendance centre.