§ Dr. Kim HowellsTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on Government measures to curb late-night alcohol-related violence against police officers.
§ Mr. John Patten[holding answer 15 January 1990]: We continue to be concerned at the level of alcohol-related violence. We therefore encourage the work of local inter-agency groups, such as Newport's, seeking to reduce such crime for the benefit of all members of the community, including police officers. Parliament has provided severe penalties for serious attacks against any person: a maximum of five years' imprisonment for assault occasioning actual bodily harm, and up to life imprisonment for wounding with intent to do grevious bodily harm. The Public Order Act 1986 put in place revised and new offences to help deal with disorder whatever its cause.