The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has issued new guidance designed to speed up action against people who assault emergency workers.
The guidance is expected to deliver swifter justice by empowering prosecutors to select the charge that best fits the seriousness of the case – including those which can be dealt more swiftly in the magistrates’ court.
Guidance had previously been leading to most cases going to Crown Court, meaning significant delays even when the final punishment could have been handed down in a magistrates’ court.
Becky Southall, chief governance officer at SCAS and executive lead for violence reduction and prevention, welcomed the news, saying:
“Assaults on emergency workers are unacceptable. No frontline worker should be assaulted in the line of duty. This is a positive step by the CPS to bring swifter justice, and it doesn’t mean criminals who assault emergency workers will face lighter sentences. Prosecutors will still be taking the most serious cases to Crown Court and seeking convictions with lengthy prison time where the level of harm merits it.
“I hope it encourages anyone who experiences any kind of assault whilst at work to report it.”
Serious assaults will also face more severe charges, as the new guidance urges prosecutors to consider all available offences – including ABH and GBH – where the evidence fits. Victims’ voices will also be given greater emphasis under the new guidance, which encourages prosecutors to take victim impact statements into account when they are considering the impact an assault has had and what the charges should be.
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