Judges told: Give harsher sentences for burglary

JUDGES and magistrates were today ordered to hand out heavier sentences for burglars in a Court of Appeal ruling that breaking into a home be treated as a "serious" offence.

The edict, delivered by the Lord Chief Justice, Lord Judge, says strong punishment should be imposed even if little is stolen because of the lasting trauma caused. It also calls on the courts to reflect the particularly severe impact of burglary upon the elderly or the vulnerable when passing sentence.

The ruling, which came as Lord Judge and two colleagues rejected appeals against sentence by six burglars, follows public concern about the lenient treatment given to some.

It also emphasises burglary of a home is "an offence against the person". Lord Judge adds: "Whether or not the burglar has any specific intention to cause harm, he runs the risk that the victims may suffer serious adverse consequences. Sentences should be reflective even of unintended consequences."

The starting point for a sentence for a standard offence should be between nine to 18 months, but this should rise to 18 months to four years where there is a more serious impact, to a maximum of 14 years. Those convicted of burglary for a third time must receive a minimum of three years.