Dangerous criminals face tougher sentences as victims given more time to seek 'justice they deserve'

Fintan Starkey
Thu, 09 Apr 2026 21:18:42 +0000

Crime victims and bereaved families will gain significantly more time to contest sentences they believe are too lenient under new Government measures.

The deadline for requesting a review of "unduly lenient" sentences is being extended from 28 days to six months, representing a sixfold increase in the available window.

Under the reforms, police and prosecutors will face a legal obligation to notify victims of their right to challenge sentences.

The changes address cases where families have lost their opportunity to seek tougher punishments due to the restrictive timeframe.

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These measures will be implemented through amendments to the Government's Courts and Victims Bill, following sustained campaigning by families who experienced the system's shortcomings firsthand.

The reforms follow the case of Tracey Hanson, whose son Josh was killed in an unprovoked knife attack when a violent criminal slashed his throat in a nightclub.

Ms Hanson submitted her appeal to the Attorney General before the 28-day deadline expired, but her challenge was rejected because it arrived at 8.40pm on the final day, which was considered "outside court hours".

She has spent seven years fighting for change through the Josh Hanson Trust, supported by Claire Waxman, the victims' commissioner.

Ms Hanson said: "After seven years of relentless campaigning through the Josh Hanson Trust, this is a significant and long-awaited victory for victims' rights."

She added: "These reforms are a testament to Josh's memory and the passion and dedication of everyone who stood with the Josh Hanson Trust."

Katie Brett has also been instrumental in pushing for reform after her 16-year-old sister Sasha Marsden was sexually assaulted and murdered by David Minto.

The barman enticed the teenager to a Blackpool hotel with a fake job interview before inflicting over 100 stab wounds and setting her body alight.

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Minto received a 35-year prison term at Preston Crown Court but avoided a whole life order, meaning he could be released on parole in 2048 at age 57.

Ms Brett said: "Our lives were turned upside down when my 16-year-old sister Sasha was murdered. Like all victims, we only had 28 days to appeal the sentence, and we were not told until it was too late."

She added: "No family should ever be left in the dark like we were. Every victim deserves support."

Justice Secretary David Lammy said: "When someone has been through the ordeal of seeking justice and watched the person who hurt them or their loved one be sentenced, the last thing they should be worrying about is a ticking clock."

He added: "People need time to breathe, to talk to their families, to get advice. This change means they'll have more time to do this and most importantly, get the justice they deserve."

The unduly lenient sentence scheme allows victims, families and the public to request the Attorney General refer cases to the Court of Appeal for review.

When cases reach the Court of Appeal, between 60 and 80 per cent result in increased sentences.

Currently limited to serious crown court offences including murder, robbery, rape and child abuse, the scheme may be broadened following a Law Commission review to encompass additional crimes such as certain sexual offences, causing death by careless driving, and burglary.