Two Strikes

7:30AM GMT 02 Dec 2012

Repeat rapists to face life sentences

"Criminals who commit a second serious sexual or violent offence will be given automatic life sentences under a new “two strikes and you’re out” law from tomorrow. Repeat rapists to face life sentences

The crackdown on repeat offenders will apply to anyone who initially served more than 10 years in prison for a range of offences including rape, inciting child prostitution and terrorism.

A mandatory life sentence will mean criminals convicted of one of these offences twice will spend either the rest of their life either in prison or on licence in their community.

If the repeat offender breaches the terms of that licence at any point they could be immediately recalled to prison."

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/law-and-order/9716054/Repeat-rapists-to-face-life-sentences.html

New sentences and criminal offences come into effect today

http://www.justice.gov.uk/news/features/new-sentences-and-criminal-offences-come-into-effect-today

Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act 2012

http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2012/10/contents/enacted