HC Deb 03 November 1988 vol 139 cc754-5W
27. Mr. Ward

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what has been the change over the past year in the average sentence for rape; and if he will make a statement.

39. Mrs Gillian Shephard

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what has been the rise over the most recent convenient period in the average sentence for rape; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. John Patten

The average length of sentence for men over 21 sentenced at the Crown court for offences of rape increased by 16 per cent. between 1986 and 1987. The average sentence is now over six years.

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