§ Ms RuddockTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what percentages of(a) prosecutions and (b) convictions under section 5 of the Public Order Act 1986 in each year since 1987 were for racially motivated harassment;
(2) how many prosecutions there have been under section 5 of the Public Order Act 1986 in each year since 1987; how many convictions there have been in each year since 1987; and what were the penalties for those convicted in each case.
§ Mr. MacleanInformation is not collected centrally as to whether an offence committed under section 5 of the Public Order Act 1986 was racially motivated.
315WThe table shows the number of prosecutions, convictions and type of disposal given for offences under section 5 of the Public Order Act 1986 from 1987 to 1992. 1993 data will not be available until the autumn.
Number of defendants prosecuted, convicted and type of disposal given for offences under section 5 of the Public Order Act 1986 from 1987 to 1992 England and Wales 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 Prosecutions 12,660 32,493 37,358 36,632 30,247 27,796 Convictions 9,490 24,079 26,828 25,193 19,478 16,541 Total sentenced 9,475 24,056 26,794 25,206 19,475 16,541 Type of disposal Absolute or conditional discharge 1,249 3,054 4,009 4,046 3,801 4,052 Fine 7,673 19,647 21,596 20,091 14,378 11,746 Community sentences1 125 283 289 251 214 148 Immediate custody — — — 16 27 6 Otherwise dealt with2 428 1,072 900 802 1,055 589 1 Includes probation orders, supervision orders, community service orders, attendance centre orders and from 1 October 1992 combination orders. 2 Includes fully suspended sentences.