New Guidelines | Child Cruelty Offences | Kangs Serious Crime Solicitors
As from 1st January 2019, new guidelines published by the Sentencing Council for offences of Child Cruelty came into operation for offences sentenced on or after that date, regardless of the date of the offence, affecting all offenders aged eighteen years and older.
Cagin Husnu of Kangs Solicitors comments upon the changes.
The Offences | Kangs Offences Against Children Advisory Solicitors
The guidance is broken down in to three separate offences:
- cruelty to a child;
- causing or allowing a child to die or suffer serious physical harm; and
- failing to protect a girl from risk of genital mutilation
Cruelty To A Child
- this offence covers assault, ill treatment, abandonment, neglect and failure to protect children.
- it is an ‘either-way’ offence, meaning it can be tried in both the Magistrates’ Court or, for more serious cases, the Crown Court.
- the maximum sentence is one of ten years imprisonment.
Causing Or Allowing A Child To Die Or Suffer Serious Physical Harm
Effectively, this constitutes two separate offences:
Causing Or Allowing A Child To Suffer Serious Physical Harm
- this offence can only be tried by judge and jury in the Crown Court
- the maximum sentence is ten years imprisonment.
Causing Or Allowing A Child To Die
- this offence also can only be tried by judge and jury in the Crown Court
- the maximum sentence is fourteen years imprisonment.
Failing To Protect A Girl From Risk Of Genital Mutilation
- this offence can only be tried by judge and jury in the Crown Court
- the maximum sentence is seven years imprisonment.
How Can We Help? | Kangs Offences Against The Person Defence Solicitors
At Kangs Solicitors we understand that, as devastating as it is to be under investigation or charged with any of the offences shown above, or of a similar nature, there are certain instances in which a positive case can be advanced on behalf of anyone facing such proceedings.
Our team at Kangs Solicitors ensures that all clients are represented professionally and compassionately when dealing with such matters.
Should you find yourself facing any allegations of the above nature or any other criminal matter, please do not hesitate to contact our team through the following:
Helen Holder
hholder@kangssolicitors.co.uk
0121 449 9888 | 020 7936 6396 | 07989 521 210
Nazaqat Maqsoom
nmaqsoom@kangssolicitors.co.uk
0121 449 9888 | 020 7936 6396 | 07989 521 210
