The Sentencing Council has released a draft sentencing guideline for non-fatal strangulation and suffocation offences, aiming to ensure consistent and proportionate sentencing across England and Wales.
The guideline, a response to the Domestic Abuse Act 2021, encompasses both domestic and non-domestic contexts and outlines the severity of these acts, which can induce significant psychological harm even in the absence of physical injuries. Her Honour Judge Rosa Dean highlights the gravity of such offences and emphasises the need for appropriate sentencing to address the fear and trauma experienced by victims. Seeking feedback from legal professionals and stakeholders, the Council aims to establish clear and effective sentencing standards for these serious offences.