HC Deb 25 November 1997 vol 301 cc458-9W
Mr. Swinney

To ask the Attorney-General on how many occasions he has attempted to increase the length of a sentence applied for manslaughter; and on how many occasions and in what proportion of manslaughter cases he has increased the length of sentence since 1990. [17086]

The Attorney-General

In 1991, application was made for leave to refer three sentences imposed for manslaughter to the Court of Appeal. One application was refused and the remaining two applications were withdrawn.

In 1992, one sentence was referred to the Court of Appeal and was increased. In 1993, four sentences were referred to the Court of Appeal. Two sentences were increased and two were unchanged. In 1994, three applications for leave were made. Leave was refused in two cases. In the other case, the sentence was increased. In 1995, five applications for leave were made. One was subsequently withdrawn. Two sentences were increased and two unchanged. In 1996, three applications for leave were made to the Court. Each sentence was unchanged by the Court of Appeal.

So far this year, there have been three applications for leave. One sentence has been increased; one remained unchanged; and the third application is outstanding.