§ 52. Mr. MarlowTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he has any plans to introduce further effective deterrent penalties for crimes of violence and vandalism.
§ Mr. John PattenThe courts already have powers to impose heavy sentences for vandalism and violence. For offences of criminal damage not endangering life, the maximum penalty is 10 years' imprisonment. For the most serious crimes of violence against the person—including murder, manslaughter, rape and robbery—the maximum sentence is imprisonment for life. Between 1984 and 1987, the average length of sentence imposed by the Crown court on men aged 21 or over for violence against the person increased by 13 per cent.; for robbery by 21 per cent.; and for sexual offences by 31 per cent.