Chris Huhne

Half of gun crimes escape mandatory sentence as ministers play Mr Macho

Half of those found guilty of possessing a firearm receive less than the “mandatory” minimum sentence of five years, according to research from the Liberal Democrats.

The figures, contained in a Parliamentary answer, show that:

· Only 141 out of 281 people sentenced for possession of a firearm in 2006 were given the ‘mandatory’ minimum sentence of 5 years.

· Only 21.7% of 18-20 year olds sentenced for gun possession received the mandatory sentence. That compares to 33.3% of 16-17 year olds, for whom the mandatory minimum sentence is 3 years.

· 69 out of 281 people – a quarter of those sentenced – did not receive any custodial sentence.

Commenting, Liberal Democrat Shadow Home Secretary Chris Huhne said:

“Ministers like playing Mr Macho on minimum sentencing, but these figures show that their posturing is just words.

“Judges rightly insist on taking account of individual circumstances when it comes to sentencing.

“Too many people are getting off scot free because they are not caught in the first place.

“The way to cut gun crime is to catch more criminals with better policing. The sentences are already tough enough.

“There are also serious concerns that mandatory sentences deter people from handing themselves in and co-operating with the police.”