The new guidelines applicable to sentencing those offenders
convicted of firearms offences are now in force (effective from 1
January 2021).
Previously, there were no sentencing guidelines in the crown
court for offences involving firearms, with only one guideline in
the magistrates' court for carrying a firearm in a public
place, making this area quite a sentencing minefield.
It is hoped that the new guidelines will provide the courts with
the necessary tools to achieve consistency, whilst making the
sentencing process more understandable and transparent.
There are now eight guidelines, which apply to offences under
the Firearms Act 1968 – Read more about the new firearms offenses
guidelines here.
