§ Mr. Teddy Taylorasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what are the current maximum fines which can be imposed by the courts for (a) soliciting, (b) prostitution, (c) criminal damage, (d) drunk driving, (e) speeding, (f) assault and (g) selling lawnmowers which do not conform to the Lawnmowers (Harmonisation of Noise Emission Standards) Regulations; and what plans he has for reviewing the maximum levels of fines for crimes and offences.
§ Mr. MellorThe information requested is set out in the table, except as regards prostitution which in itself is not an offence. For the more serious offences of assault and criminal damage, imprisonment is also available as a sanction.
We keep maximum penalties under constant review.
395W
Offence Enactment Maximum Fine Soliciting (of male by female) Section 1 of the Street Offences Act 1959 Level 2 on the standard scale (£100) for first offence, level 3 (£400) for second or subsequent offence. Soliciting (of male by male) Section 32 of the Sexual Offences Act 1956 Statutory maximum (£2,000) if prosecuted summarily; unlimited fine on indictment.
Offence Enactment Maximum Fine Persistent soliciting of women/kerb crawling Sections 1 and 2 of the Sexual Offences Act 1985 Level 3 on standard scale (£400). Criminal Damage Section 1 of the Criminal Damage Act 1971 (for damage of more than £400); (for damage of £400 or less). Unlimited fine on indictment; statutory maximum (£2,000) when tried summarily.Level 4 on the standard scale (£1,000). Driving when unfit through drink/ with excess alcohol Sections 5 (1) and 6{1)(a) of the Road Traffice Act 1972 Level 5 on the standard scale (£2,000). Exceeding speed limit Section 89(1) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 Level 3 on the standard scale (£400). Common assault Section 42 of the Offences Against the Person Act 1861 Level 3 on the standard scale (£400). Assault occasioning actual bodily harm Section 47 of the Offences Against the Person Act 1861 Unlimited fine on indictment; statutory maximum (£2,000) if tried summarily. Sale of Lawnmowers contrary to the Lawnmowers (Harmonisation of Noise Emission Standards) Regulations 1986 £1,000