§ Mr. Clifton-BrownTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what representations he has received about provisions contained in the Crime and Disorder Bill [Lords] relating to maximum sentences in magistrates' courts. [49901]
§ Mr. Straw[holding answer 21 July 1998]: There are no provisions in the Crime and Disorder Bill [Lords] to change the current maximum sentences available to the magistrates' courts (six months custody for a single offence or 24 months in a Secure Training Centre for 12–14 year olds). The new Detention and Training Order (DTO) will enable magistrates to impose a maximum custodial DTO sentence of 24 months for 12–17 year olds.
The Magistrates' Association have written to me on the question of increasing the general maximum penalty of six months available to the magistrates' courts. They have been invited to supply further information.