Sentences for rape and other sexual offences should reflect advances in technology by considering whether crimes were filmed or photographed, draft guidelines published Thursday said.
Guidelines proposed by the Sentencing Council for England and Wales for judges and magistrates said they should put more focus on the impact of a crime on its victim, particularly the psychological and long-term effects.
They should also consider factors such as whether the attack was filmed or photographed when sentencing criminals, the guidance said.
It said the wider context of an offence, including grooming in child sex offence cases and abuse by people in positions of power, should be reflected with tougher sentences.
Under the changes, which are subject to a 14-week consultation, a new 19-year maximum sentence could be issued for “one-off rapes” — a term currently reserved for repeat offences or multiple crimes.
Sentencing Council member Lord Justice Treacy said: “We’re improving guidance for courts to help them deal with these incredibly complex, sensitive and serious offences.
“The perspective of victims is central to the council’s considerations. We want to ensure sentences reflect everything the victim has been through and what the offender has done.
“We are looking at the whole context, not just the physical offence but also the tactics employed by offenders like grooming activity, the targeting of vulnerable victims or abuse of a position of trust.”
The guidelines cover 54 offences including rape, child sex offences, indecent images of children, trafficking and voyeurism.
The Sentencing Council says the changes are needed to bring sentencing “up to date”, taking into account changes in the nature of offending.
The review highlights the increased use of technology in offences involving indecent images of children and online methods used to facilitate sexual exploitation and child grooming.
The guidelines would replace existing guidance which was issued following the Sexual Offences Act 2003.
Sex crime sentences 'should reflect new technology'
