Clampdown on drink and drug crime

Crimes committed while under the influence of drink or drugs could carry harsher sentences under new plans.

MPs are pushing for tougher penalties for offences fuelled by alcohol or narcotics.

Members of the home affairs select committee are concerned about the number of offenders who cite intoxication as a mitigating-factor in their defence. Instead, they believe the use of alcohol and drugs should be introduced as an aggravating factor when determining sentences.

Committee chairman John Denham said: "The committee was concerned that being under the influence of drugs or alcohol is sometimes used by defendants as an excuse for their behaviour.

"The committee believes that these arguments should be rejected by sentencers and that being under their influence should instead be an aggravating factor."

The proposal is one of a number of recommendations in a new report by the committee.