Petition · past parliament

Stricter sentences on rape, murder, peadophillia, and child abuse.

Rejected 21 signatures

What the petition asks

We'e been made aware of the petty sentences dished out by judges relating to the worst crimes of society. Paedophiles are given suspended sentences or very small jail time, and opposed to petty crimes, they're very light. The sentence needs to fit the crime and actually make the public feel safe.
In my city alone paedophiles have had easier sentences than people who steal from retail stores, shoplifters etc very petty crimes opposed to rape, murder, child abuse and paedophiles. The judges seem to be handing down light sentences and sometimes protecting the individual because they've a good career or they're going into a good career. We need a strong aggressive approach on this matter, strong deterrents to prevent reoffending and real justice for each victim.

Why it was rejected

It was not clear what the petition asked the UK Government or Parliament to do.

Petitions need to call on the UK Government or Parliament to take a specific action.

We understand you're concerned about sentencing for rape and murder and child sex offences, but we're not sure exactly what you'd like the Government or Parliament to do. In particular, we're not sure exactly which child sex offences you're concerned about or exactly how you'd like the approach to sentencing to change.

For example, sentences for theft from a shop or stall can range from a discharge to a maximum of 7 years custody, depending on the circumstances. You can find out more here:

https://www.sentencingcouncil.org.uk/offences/magistrates-court/item/theft-from-a-shop-or-stall/

Sentences for sexual activity with a child can range from a community order to a maximum of 14 years custody, depending on the circumstances. You can find out more here:

https://www.sentencingcouncil.org.uk/offences/magistrates-court/item/sexual-activity-with-a-child/

Sentences for rape can range from 4 years to life imprisonment, depending on the circumstances. You can find out more here:

https://www.sentencingcouncil.org.uk/offences/crown-court/item/rape/

Murder attracts a mandatory life sentence with a minimum term set by the courts. You can find out more here:

https://www.cps.gov.uk/legal-guidance/sentencing-mandatory-life-sentences-murder-cases

You could start a new petition explaining clearly which offences you're concerned about and how you'd like sentences to change.

Timeline

29 Aug 2019 Petition opened for signatures
10 Sep 2019 Rejected by the Petitions Committee

Key facts

Signatures 21
Status Rejected
Rejected 10 Sep 2019

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Source: the official petition page. Last checked 15 Jul 2026.