Despite Overcrowded Prisons, Rioters Will Receive Custodial Sentences
There have been riots in several cities in England due to protests about immigration, leading the government to announce the opening of some courts overnight to fast-track offenders.
The policing minister, Dame Diana Johnson, has stated that there is enough capacity in England’s jails to give custodial sentences to rioters, despite previous plans to release prisoners early to address overcrowding.
Johnson, a former chair of the Home Affairs Select Committee, also mentioned the possibility of courts sitting overnight to expedite prosecutions, similar to what was done in 2011 following serious rioting in Tottenham, North London.
Over the weekend, serious disorder occurred in Hull, Liverpool, and Middlesbrough as immigration protests escalated into riots, resulting in clashes with police, property vandalism, and shop looting.
Two hotels housing illegal immigrants in Rotherham and Tamworth were targeted by mobs attempting to set them on fire.
Johnson emphasized that those causing trouble on the streets would face custodial sentences after going through the court process.
She stressed the need for swift arrests by the police, quick charging of individuals, and immediate sentencing for convictions.
Government Will Do ‘Whatever It Takes’
When asked if 24-hour courts would be introduced to accelerate prosecutions, Johnson affirmed that the government would do “whatever it takes” to ensure justice is served.
A teenager from Lancashire has been charged with murders related to the incidents, while false claims circulated online in the aftermath of the attacks.
The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has been working tirelessly to make charging decisions promptly based on available evidence, with the goal of maintaining law and order.
Various individuals have appeared in court in connection with the disturbances, pleading guilty to charges like violent disorder and assault of an emergency worker.
The government and law enforcement authorities are committed to taking strong action against perpetrators of violence and ensuring that justice is served swiftly and effectively.
