Factors when sentencing adult offenders (8 marks).

Question 1

Where are factors set out?

Answer 1

• Criminal Justice Act 2003
• Sentencing Council Guidelines

Question 2

What reports can be made to outline factors?

Answer 2

• Pre-sentence report
• Prepared by Probation Service
• Includes background information about the offender, etc.
• Medical reports made by doctors included,

Question 3

What are aggravating factors?

Answer 3

• Make a crime more serious, increase sentence.
• Examples could be being part of a gang, or hostility towards protected characteristics (Equality Act 2010).

Question 4

What are mitigating factors?

Answer 4

• Make a crime less serious, reduce sentence.
• Examples are showing genuine remorse, cooperation with police, admission of guilt.
• Offenders background included, such as poor financial status at time of offence.