Sentencing Guidelines (Pre-sentence Reports) Bill
Debate between Lord Thomas of Gresford and Lord Bishop of GloucesterMonday 19th May 2025
(4 days, 6 hours ago)
Grand CommitteeRead Full debate Sentencing Guidelines (Pre-sentence Reports) Bill 2024-26 View all Sentencing Guidelines (Pre-sentence Reports) Bill 2024-26 Debates Read Hansard Text Read Debate Ministerial Extracts Amendment Paper: HL Bill 99-I Marshalled list for Grand Committee - (15 May 2025)
Lord Thomas of Gresford (LD)
There is no research, and this Bill has been brought forward on a premise that, from my experience, is wrong. It is that the provision of a pre-sentence report means that the judge will go easier upon the defendant. I think that is wrong and, without research, I do not see how you can bring this Bill forward.
The Lord Bishop of Gloucester
I appreciate that the Minister is in an interminable situation, but he did not actually respond to my key point, which is that there is an existing protection including the current mitigating factor for pregnancy. I drew attention to what was published in April last year, which already directs sentencers to obtain a PSR before sentencing and to adjourn sentencing until one is available, but this Bill is now making that unlawful. That is my key point.