Courts across the country are showing leniency towards teen knife criminals, with the number of those being jailed for a first offense seeing a significant decrease.

Growing Number of Children Expelled and Suspended for Brandishing Weapons in School

Startling statistics reveal that there is a rising trend of children engaging in dangerous behavior within school premises. As many as 541 individuals were expelled from school for brandishing weapons in the year leading up to July 2021, with an additional 7,763 students being suspended.

Significant Drop in Custodial Sentences for Ten to 17-Year-Old Knife Offenders

According to figures from the Ministry of Justice, the proportion of 10 to 17-year-old knife offenders receiving custody as punishment has decreased from 10% in March 2020 to 6% in the year ending March 2021. However, there has been a substantial increase in the use of community sentences for 16 and 17-year-old offenders.

Tougher Laws, Softer Approach?

In response to the findings, the Ministry of Justice stated that they have strengthened laws against knife-carrying offenders. However, critics argue that these statistics reveal a worrisome trend of decreasing consequences for those involved in knife crime.

Political Responses

Tory MP Tim Loughton voiced his concern, emphasizing the need for serious punishment to deter young people from engaging in knife-related crimes. Shabana Mahmood, Shadow Justice Secretary, called the statistics "incredibly damning" and blamed the Tories for their failure to effectively address the issue of dangerous knife crime. The Labour party has expressed its commitment to combatting knife crime by increasing local policing, strengthening enforcement, and implementing new youth mentorship programs.