I am very pleased to announce that a wide range of new powers and sentences from our Police, Crime, Sentencing, and Courts Act will come into force today -  28 June 2022. The major changes include whole-life orders for the pre-meditated murder of a child, mandatory life sentences for unlawfully killing emergency workers in the line of duty and ending the automatic early release of offenders deemed to be a danger to the public.

It also includes a new criminal offence relating to residing on land without consent and additional powers to tackle illegal hare coursing. These two new sets of powers are very relevant in this constituency.

Unauthorised encampments  

The law has been changed by introducing a criminal offence relating to residing on land without consent, in or with a vehicle and causing significant damage or distress. It has also been made an offense for a person to re-enter the land within 12 months with a vehicle and the intention of residing there.

The offence carries with it a maximum penalty of three months imprisonment or a fine of up to £2500 or both.

Hare Coursing

Hare coursing is a perennial problem in Selby District with people travelling long distances to come to Selby District to test the strength of their dogs at chasing hares. There are significant amounts of money involved in the associated gambling on the outcome of the chase.

Penalties for hare coursing are increased and for night poaching could be a custodial sentence of up to 6 months. However it has now been made into an offence to trespass on land  with the intention of (a) using a dog to search for or pursue a hare; (b) facilitating or encouraging the use of a dog to search for or pursue a hare; or (c) enabling another person to observe the use of a dog to search for or pursue a hare.

These are both rural crimes and the new bill has been designed by government is to keep people safe, to cut crime and reform our justice system so that it serves the law-abiding majority.

Full details can be found here https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/circular-0052022-police-crime-sentencing-and-courts-act-2022/circular-0052022-police-crime-sentencing-and-courts-act-2022