Home Secretary Amber Rudd unveils new crackdown on acid thugs by giving mandatory jail sentences under ‘two strikes’ law
The Home Secretary announced that a second conviction for possession would result in a minimum sentence of at least six months, similar to knife crime
GANG members who are caught carrying acid will be given a mandatory jail sentence under a new “two strikes” law.
Under the crackdown unveiled by Home Secretary Amber Rudd, a second conviction for possession would mean a minimum term of at least six months, in line with a similar move to tackle knife crime a year ago.
It is hoped the proposal — along with a ban on selling acid to under-18s — will help stop attacks that soared from 261 in 2015 to 454 last year in London.
The full Home Office consultation document published today calls on judges to impose a minimum of six months for adults and four for young offenders.
It reads: “The use of corrosive substances as a weapon is centuries old, but we are concerned about its increasing use.”
It also sets out plans unveiled earlier this year to tighten the regime covering online sales of knives over concerns that age checks can be sidestepped.
Ms Rudd said: “All violent crime is unacceptable, which is why we are acting to restrict access to offensive weapons and crack down on those who carry acids with intent to do harm.”
