*/
Only defendants who plead guilty the first time they are asked to enter a plea will get the maximum one-third sentence reduction, under reforms to encourage early admissions.
The Reduction in Sentence for a Guilty Plea Guideline consultation, closing on 5 May, introduces a sliding scale of sentence reductions with maximum credit reserved for those who plead guilty the first time they are asked in court.
Those who plead guilty at a later time, but before trial, will get a reduction of one-fifth. Those who plead guilty on the day of trial will get one-tenth taken off and those who plead during the trial will get no discount.
Mark Fenhalls QC, Chairman of the Criminal Bar Association, cautioned against making the guidelines ‘straitjackets’ that prevent judges doing justice.
Only defendants who plead guilty the first time they are asked to enter a plea will get the maximum one-third sentence reduction, under reforms to encourage early admissions.
The Reduction in Sentence for a Guilty Plea Guideline consultation, closing on 5 May, introduces a sliding scale of sentence reductions with maximum credit reserved for those who plead guilty the first time they are asked in court.
Those who plead guilty at a later time, but before trial, will get a reduction of one-fifth. Those who plead guilty on the day of trial will get one-tenth taken off and those who plead during the trial will get no discount.
Mark Fenhalls QC, Chairman of the Criminal Bar Association, cautioned against making the guidelines ‘straitjackets’ that prevent judges doing justice.
Now is the time to tackle inappropriate behaviour at the Bar as well as extend our reach and collaboration with organisations and individuals at home and abroad
To mark International Women’s Day, Louise Crush of Westgate Wealth Management looks at how financial planning can help bridge the gap
Casey Randall of AlphaBiolabs answers some of the most common questions regarding relationship DNA testing for court
Leading drug, alcohol and DNA testing laboratory AlphaBiolabs has made a £500 donation to Beatson Cancer Charity in Glasgow as part of its Giving Back campaign
Girls Human Rights Festival 2025: a global gathering for change
Exclusive Q&A with Henry Dannell
Marking Neurodiversity Week 2025, an anonymous barrister shares the revelations and emotions from a mid-career diagnosis with a view to encouraging others to find out more
Patrick Green KC talks about the landmark Post Office Group litigation and his driving principles for life and practice. Interview by Anthony Inglese CB
Desiree Artesi meets Malcolm Bishop KC, the Lord Chief Justice of Tonga, who talks about his new role in the South Pacific and reflects on his career
Sir Nicholas Mostyn, former High Court judge, on starting a hit podcast with fellow ‘Parkies’ after the shock of his diagnosis
Exclusive QA with Henry Dannell
