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Offences against Children: Sentencing

Asked by John LamontConservativeMinistry of JusticeTabled Answered 17 March 2026UIN 908343

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what steps his Department is taking ensure that people convicted of charges related to grooming gangs receive adequate sentences.

Answered by Jake Richards

The Government is determined to ensure that grooming gang members face the toughest possible sentences for their crimes.

This is why we are introducing a new statutory aggravating factor requiring courts to consider grooming when sentencing for specified sexual offences committed against those under 18.

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