§ Dr. NaysmithTo ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what guidance the Lord Chancellor gives on sentencing in cases involving harassment of those suffering from mental health problems; and if he will make a statement. [133265]
§ Jane KennedyThe Government do not issue guidance on the way judicial discretion should be exercised. Within the statutory limits laid down by Parliament, the nature and severity of penalties are matters for the court subject to any guidelines laid down by the Court of Appeal (Criminal Division).
The Magistrates Association has recently published the Magistrates Courts Sentencing Guidelines which has been sent to all magistrates. This contains guidance for magistrates on sentencing in harassment cases.