Mandatory burglary sentences will not start until year 2000
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The most serious repeat burglars will not start serving mandatory, three-year minimum sentences for a third offence until the end of 2000 at the earliest.
The Home Secretary was challenged last night by Jack Straw, Labour's spokesman on home affairs, to confirm research carried out by the Commons library, which says that in some cases hardcore burglars might not receive their "third strike" punishment until November 2003.
Writing to Mr Howard on the eve of today's Commons debate on sentencing policy, Mr Straw said the White Paper stated that the proposals could be implemented in October 1999.
But the Commons library said the first possible date would be December 2000, for people who had received two non-custodial sentences in a magistrates' court, through to November 2003 for burglars who had received two custodial sentences in a crown court.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments