Terrorists face seeing their jail terms extended by YEARS if their victims complain they have been let off
Under the Unduly Lenient Sentence scheme, crime victims and ordinary members of the public can query sentences handed down by judges within four weeks
TERRORISTS face seeing their jail terms extended by years if their victims complain they have been let off.
Ministers announced last night that the Unduly Lenient Sentence scheme will be extended to a raft of terror offences.
Under it, crime victims as well ordinary members of the public can query sentences handed down by judges within 28 days and force a rethink.
If extended to the maximum, convictions for being a member of a terror group could see jail terms extended to 10 years.
People convicted of fundraising for terrorism could see their terms extended to 14 years, and weapons training offences could be stretched to a life term.
Justice Minister Dominic Raab said: “We want the most robust sentences for any terrorist crimes and for victims to have every opportunity to see justice delivered.
“Our action will reinforce our focus on deterring people who help radicalise terrorists, and punishing those who wilfully turn a blind eye to terrorist activity.”
The move fulfils a manifesto pledge by the Tories at the general election last month, after terror offences were originally excluded from the scheme.
The significant majority of sentences queries are upheld under the scheme.
In 2015, the government’s law boss referred 136 cases to the Court of Appeal – and the court increased the sentences of 102 offenders.
Attorney General Jeremy Wright added: “Crimes of this nature will not be tolerated in our society and those convicted of terrorism will receive the sentence they deserve.”