§ Mr. RedmondTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is his Department's definition of severe cases in the new up-dated police guidance manual; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MacleanThe manual of guidance for the preparation, processing and submission of prosecution files includes no such definition. The manual makes reference to the "serious" nature of a case. This relates to the seriousness of the offence committed and to other factors including the vulnerability of the victim, the use of excessive force and the abuse of a position of responsibility.