New regulations will speed up legal cases against assailants.
The ambulance trust responsible for Milton Keynes 999 crews has welcomed new guidance designed to speed up action against people who assault emergency workers.
The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) recently issued new regulations that are expected to deliver swifter justice by empowering prosecutors to select an assault charge that best fits the seriousness of the case. And that includes those that can be dealt more swiftly in the magistrates’ court.
Previously, most cases were going to Crown Court, meaning significant delays even when the final punishment could have been handed down in a magistrates’ court.
Last month MKFM reported how assaults against ambulance crews – including those in the South Central Ambulance Service region, which handles Milton Keynes – had reached their highest level.
“Assaults on emergency workers are unacceptable,” said Becky Southall, chief governance officer at SCAS.
“No frontline worker should be assaulted in the line of duty. This is a positive step by the CPS to bring swifter justice, and it doesn’t mean criminals who assault emergency workers will face lighter sentences. Prosecutors will still be taking the most serious cases to Crown Court and seeking convictions with lengthy prison time where the level of harm merits it.
“I hope it encourages anyone who experiences any kind of assault whilst at work to report it.”
Serious assaults will also face more severe charges, as the new guidance urges prosecutors to consider all available offences – including ABH and GBH – where the evidence fits.
Victims’ voices will be given greater emphasis under the new guidance, which encourages prosecutors to take victim impact statements into account when they are considering the effect an assault has had on a worker.
