» Back to listing New sentencing guidelines proposed for corporate manslaughter, health and safety and food safety offences

 Proposed sentencing guidelines have recently been published which will assist sentencers dealing with corporate manslaughter, health and safety and food safety and hygiene offences.

The draft guidelines, now subject to public consultation, cover offences that embrace a wide range of circumstances.

The guidelines are being introduced due to a lack of comprehensive guidance for sentencers in relation to these offences. While there is a guideline covering corporate manslaughter and fatal health and safety offences, there is no specific guidance on sentencing food safety offences or non-fatal health and safety offences. Furthermore, existing guidance only covers offences committed by organisations rather than individuals. This marks the first time that guidelines will cover all the most commonly sentenced health and safety offences and food safety offences.

For further information http://sentencingcouncil.judiciary.gov.uk/media/1128.htm