HC Deb 05 November 2001 vol 374 c96W
Tim Loughton

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what recent consultations he has had regarding reducing penalties in youth courts for(a) criminal damage (b) shoplifting and (c) offences involving airguns. [12585]

Mr. Keith Bradley

None. We have not reduced the penalties or propose doing so.

Tim Loughton

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement regarding the tariff of penalties in youth courts for criminal damage offences. [12586]

Mr. Keith Bradley

Sentencers in the youth court have discretion within the statutory framework laid down by Parliament. The maximum penalty for criminal damage above £5,000 is a two-year Detention and Training Order. Below that a range of non-custodial orders is available. These were enhanced by the Crime and Disorder Act 1998.