Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, if she will review the definition of vulnerability in relation to when that term is considered as an aggravating factor during sentencing.

Aggravating factors, including those relating to vulnerability, are set out in sentencing guidelines which are issued by the independent Sentencing Council.

The Council consults widely on its guidelines as they are developed, including consulting on aggravating and mitigating factors. The Council is currently consulting on draft guidelines for domestic abuse and intimidatory offences. More information can be found on the Council’s website: www.sentencingcouncil.org.uk