View
comments
Terrorists who travel to war zones or plot to kill multiple people will face a minimum of 14 years behind bars under harsh new sentencing guidelines.
New Justice Secretary Dominic Raab said the new powers would deter 'those who kill and maim in the name of warped and fanatical ideologies'.
It is hoped the move will close a potential loophole that has allowed some terrorist plotters to receive shorter sentences.
New Justice Secretary Dominic Raab said the new powers would deter 'those who kill and maim in the name of warped and fanatical ideologies'
The Sentencing Council will today set out its proposed guidance to judges on how they should apply the new mandatory minimum jail term which became law earlier this year.
The Counter-Terrorism and Sentencing Act 2021 created a new category of 'serious terrorist offences' amid concerns offenders convicted of planning attacks were receiving relatively light jail terms.
It stipulated those who are found guilty under the new category should face a minimum of 14 years' custody - with an extension period to be served on licence of between seven and 25 years - unless there are 'exceptional circumstances'.
In its guidance, the Sentencing Council will say it should apply when a court finds there is 'a significant risk' to the public of 'serious harm occasioned by the commission by the offender of further serious terrorism offences'.
It should also
