HC Deb 13 February 1958 vol 582 cc84-5W
84. Mr. K. Robinson

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department the average sentences of those imprisoned during the latest five-year period after conviction for attempted suicide.

Mr. R. A. Butler

The average length of the sentences imposed on conviction of attempted suicide during the five years 1952–56 inclusive was 3.9 months. As this figure may by itself give a misleading impression I am circulating below a table giving fuller particulars of the sentences of imprisonment imposed and showing the other means by which the court dealt with the persons convicted before them.

Following is the table:

TABLE SHOWING THE DISPOSAL BY THE COURTS OF PERSONS CONVICTED OF ATTEMPTED SUICIDE—1952–56 INCLUSIVE
Sentence or order Number Percentage of total
Imprisonment
Up to 1 month 31 1.1
Over 1 month and up to 3 months 76 2.6
Over 3 months and up to 6 months 84 2.9
Over 6 months 3 0.1
Probation order 1,842 63.0
Conditional or absolute discharge, bound over 819 28.0
Fine 21 0.7
Otherwise disposed of 46 1.6
Total 2,922 100