Tougher penalties considered for paramedic attacks

Anyone who assaults or attacks emergency workers could face longer jail terms, as the government launches a new consultation on doubling the maximum penalty for the offence.

Since 2018, anyone found guilty of assaulting a police officer, firefighter, prison officer or paramedic has faced a maximum of 12 months in prison. Judges must also consider tougher sentences for more serious offences – such as GBH or sexual assault –  if the victim was an emergency worker.

The Ministry of Justice has now announced that ministers are seeking views from stakeholders, including representative bodies from the emergency services and the judiciary, on whether the maximum penalty should be doubled to two years behind bars.

The move follows a manifesto commitment to consult on tougher sentences, with ministers determined to recognise the debt of gratitude the public feels towards our emergency workers, especially in light of the coronavirus pandemic efforts of key workers.

Robert Buckland, the Justice Secretary, said: “Being punched, kicked or spat at should never be part of the job for our valiant emergency workers who put their lives on the line to keep the public safe. Now more than ever they must be able to do their extraordinary work without the fear of being attacked or assaulted, which is why we’re determined to look at how our laws can protect them further. We will continue to do everything in our power to protect our police, prison officers, firefighters and paramedics - and ensure those who seek to harm them feel the full force of the law.”

In 2019, more than 11,000 people were prosecuted for assaulting an emergency worker, with a quarter of those found guilty receiving a suspended sentence or immediate custody.