Swifter action on hate crime promised as police working 'day and night' following rising terror threat level
The national terror threat level has been raised to ‘severe’
Prosecutors have been given new advise as courts are hoping to speed up hate crime charges in response to a horrific violent attack in London last week.
The CPS (Crown Prosecution Service) revealed updated legal guidance today (May 5) as they promise to more swiftly respond to hate crimes.
It comes after the national terror threat level was raised to ‘severe’ following a violent attack in London, in which a Muslim man and two Jewish men were stabbed.
Meanwhile, wider concerns of antisemitism nationwide have been raised, with attacks on Synagogues and memorials reported across the country.
Stephen Parkinson, director of public prosecutions, said: “The acts of extreme violence and criminal damage that we have seen against the Jewish community in recent months have been deplorable. People have been arrested and charged and those cases will be dealt with as quickly as possible.
“But it is also clear that there are daily threats or abuse which are designed to harass and distress Jewish people. These too are criminal offences and they are contributing to a climate of fear felt by the Jewish community.
“If we allow this behaviour to become normalised, then its seriousness will become diminished and the problem of antisemitism will continue to grow. We must stop it in its tracks.”
New guidance advises prosecutors to make charging decisions faster, and puts a greater focus on ‘reliable victim’s accounts’ at the charging decision stage.
They are also being advised to consider bail conditions, Criminal Behaviour Orders - which could include exclusion from certain places or areas - and restraining orders at an early stage to reduce the risk of repeat offending.
“I want to make it clear that if you are threatening or abusive towards someone and you intend to distress or are likely to cause distress then that is an offence,” Mr Parkinson continued.
“If your actions are motivated by religious or racial hatred then additional penalties apply.
“We are engaging directly with Jewish communities to ensure their voices are heard and concerns addressed. To anyone who has experienced or witnessed antisemitic abuse or violence, I encourage you to report it to police. Your reports matter and this guidance allows us to work with policing to take swift action and ensure that offenders face justice.”
In response to the raised terrorist threat level, South Yorkshire Police released a statement telling the public to remain ‘alert but not alarmed’.
It reads: “The UK terrorist threat level has been raised to severe - meaning an attack is highly likely.
“For you, the public, this means remaining alert but not alarmed. Within policing we will continue to work, day and night, to keep you safe.
“If you see anything that doesn't feel right, report via gov.uk/ACT. “
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