HC Deb 10 May 2000 vol 349 cc403-4W
Mr. Gill

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the(a) minimum and (b) maximum penalty for (i) violent demonstration and (ii) destruction of private property. [121347]

Mr. Charles Clarke

There is no specific offence of violent demonstration. Section 1 of the Public Order Act 1986 prescribes a maximum penalty of 10 years imprisonment for the offence of riot which involves the use, or threat, of unlawful violence for common purpose such as to cause fear for personal safety. It can only be committed where 12 or more people so act. Under section 2, similar behaviour committed by three or more people (violent disorder) is punishable with a maximum penalty of five years imprisonment. Section 3 relates to similar behaviour where only one or two people are involved (affray). The maximum penalty for this offence is three years imprisonment.

The destruction of private property would normally amount to criminal damage. The maximum penalty for criminal damage is 10 years imprisonment.

There are no minimum penalties for these offences.

Mr. Gill

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the(a) minimum and (b) maximum penalty for dousing a person in petrol and setting fire to them. [121345]

Mr. Charles Clarke

The penalties available would depend upon the offence charged. A person convicted of attempted murder would face a maximum penalty of life imprisonment. If the victim died, this could result in a conviction for murder, for which the mandatory sentence is life imprisonment. A conviction for causing grievous bodily harm with intent would also carry a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.

There are no minimum penalties for these offences.

Mr. Gill

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the(a) minimum and (b) maximum penalty for breaking and entering for the purpose of (a) theft and (b) an offence against the person. [121346]

Mr. Charles Clarke

The behaviour described would be charged as burglary. The maximum penalty for burglary is 14 years imprisonment. Additionally, for those convicted of a third domestic burglary, there is now a mandatory minimum sentence of three years imprisonment.