Firearms offences can result in life imprisonment, while some offences require a minimum sentence of five years, and others a maximum of ten years. However, there are currently no sentencing guidelines in the Crown Court and only one for use in magistrates’ courts.
Sentencing Council member Mrs Justice Maura McGowan said: ‘The legislation is complex and we know that judges and magistrates will welcome guidelines in this difficult area of sentencing.
‘These draft guidelines cover a range of offending relating to the possession, manufacturing and transferring of firearms and aim to provide a structured framework for courts to ensure a consistent approach to sentencing that meets the seriousness of the offending.’
The consultation ends on 14 January 2020.
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