"The next Government should commit to do everything they can to ensure there is a deterrent to those who seek to harm our brave Police Officers for simply doing their job."

6 November 2019

"The next Government should commit to do everything they can to ensure there is a deterrent to those who seek to harm our brave Police Officers for simply doing their job."

Only four per cent of thugs who attack frontline police are sent to prison

According to the latest figures, 26,295 assaults on police were recorded in England and Wales in 2018. But only 8,265 thugs were convicted. Just 1,103 were sent to jail.

More than 1,500 were given either suspended prison sentences or conditional discharges. Community sentences were handed to 2,800 offenders, while 2,427 were fined.

But there were only 280 cases where magistrates ordered attackers to pay compensation to the injured officers.

GMP Federation Chairman Stu Berry said: “These statistics are shocking, and we need a significant increase in robust sentencing from the courts to safeguard our officers.

"When officers use force, their actions are watched, recorded, scrutinised and questioned during protracted investigations.

"The next Government should commit to do everything they can to ensure there is a deterrent to those who seek to harm our brave Police Officers for simply doing their job.

"These statistics will only continue to increase whilst sentencing remains weak. The time for talk and half measures is over.”

https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/only-four-per-cent-thugs-20804424