Government response to Sentencing Guidelines Council draft guideline on Bail Act offences
29 Nov 2007
In a letter of 6 August 2007, David Hanson MP, Minister of State at the Ministry of Justice wrote on behalf of the Government by way of response to the Sentencing Guidelines Council (SGC) draft guideline on Bail Act offences.
He expressed gratitude for the work conducted by the Council in this area, stressing that failure to attend was a serious matter which has the potential significantly to impede the course of justice by avoiding charges being brought, delaying a trial or inconveniencing victims and witnesses. He mentioned that a curfew backed by electronic monitoring as part of a community order might be a particularly appropriate penalty where custody is disproportionate.
The SGC is publishing its definitive guideline today, which will be available at http://www.sentencing-guidelines.gov.uk/