Currently, there are no guidelines for the offence of perverting the course of justice and only limited guidance in the magistrates’ courts for witness intimidation. The two Sentencing Council guidelines, published this week, apply to adults only and take effect on 1 October.
Perverting the course of justice offences cover a wide range, from giving false information to police officers at a traffic stop to tampering with evidence. Witness intimidation offences include pressuring witnesses to withdraw allegations or statements or withhold evidence in court, using actual violence or making threats.
Sentencing Council member, Mrs Justice May said these were ‘serious offences that undermine the administration of justice… potentially damaging police investigations and wasting courts’ time. Innocent people can suffer irreparable damage to their lives through loss of jobs, freedom or reputation while victims and witnesses can feel so frightened that they withdraw from proceedings.’
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