Proposals to review the level of fines that can be imposed by magistrates in Staffordshire have been welcomed by Matthew Ellis, the area’s Police and Crime Commissioner.
The Ministry of Justice plans will see higher limits for Magistrates’ imposed fines rise above the current maximum of £5,000 meaning significantly tougher penalties in specific or exceptional circumstances.
Crimes such as the most serious motorway speeding, driving without insurance and selling alcohol to a child could see some of the biggest changes.
Magistrates take into account the seriousness of a crime and the offender’s ability to pay when setting fines.
Mr Ellis said: “Magistrates are at the heart of our criminal justice system and ensure that justice is seen to be done for tens of thousands of people in Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent at the most local level.
“Crimes such as driving without insurance and selling alcohol to children strike a nerve with law-abiding people. Increasing Magistrates’ powers to deal with these offences in a tougher way sends out a strong message that I support. Deterring offending is at the heart of my strategy to reduce crime and whilst fines and sanctions are only part of what needs to happen, this change can only help.
“The other essential change needed is to ensure the whole system from offence through policing and prosecution all the way to Court is joined-up better than it is now. Our work in Staffordshire on Intelligent Justice puts the victims’ needs at the centre, speeds up the process of justice and makes it cheaper.
“That work and greater discretion for Magistrates in fines will help create a criminal justice system that increases public confidence, serves victims better and is seen to be fairer.”
