Prosecuting Extremists in the U.K.: Charging, Prosecution, and Sentencing Outcomes
Related to RQ3, sentence length has remained relatively steady over time (despite indications that it has increased). Number of offenders sentenced has fluctuated over time, with spikes in numbers appearing to align with contextual changes (including an increase in number of right-wing offenders sentenced after a clamp down in 2016). Analysis of all cases in E&W reveals no overall difference in sentences after implementation of the 2018 guidelines, but analysis of specific sections (s. 5, s. 58, and s. 2) reveals increases in sentences post-guidelines in each case.
Overall, despite qualitative evidence and indications from other sources that the prosecution of extremist actors is inconsistent across variables including ethnicity, age, and ideological motivation, we did not find an impact of these extraneous variables. This is positive evidence in favour of consistent use of legislation and sentencing sources, despite reports to the contrary. Differences were found relating to gender (women receive shorter sentences than men) and co-accused (having co-defendants increases sentences). We also found that ideological groups differ in offence type they are most likely to be convicted of, and that this may have indirect effects on sentencing. These are considerations in striving for consistency in the implementation of legislation and sentencing sources.
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This article is published courtesy of the Center for Research and Evidence on Security Threats (CREST).