xmas day stabbings

[christina64]

my son and his friends were all stabbed on xmas day, my son was stabbed in his face,his friend in the abdomen and the other friend was stabbed 3 times piercing his liver, this was a unprovoked attack, the accused has now been caught after 3 months on the run, how long will he get in prison- long hopefully thanx

[sag]

If justice is seen to be served then I would say forever and throw away the key! But, knowing the law is an ass in our country, he'll more than likely just get a slap on the wrist!! Hopefully your son and his friends are on the mend by now.

[Buenchico]

The actual charges are extremely important here. The fact that an internal organ was punctured would suggest that 'GBH' is more appropriate than 'ABH' in at least one case. The additional circumstances suggest that 'with intent' should be added that 'GBH' charge.

Start by reading about the differences between 'ABH', 'GBH' and 'GBH with intent'. See this document, from the Crown Prosecution Service:
http://www.cps.gov.uk/legal/l_to_o/offences_ag ainst_the_person/
(See paragraphs 45 to 67).

Then take a look at the actual document that the judge must refer to when passing sentence. You should note, however, that the sentences refer to a first-time offender, facing a single charge, convicted after a trial. (Previous offences, especially for violence, can push the sentences higher, as will the multiple offences. An early guilty plea can see sentences cut by up to one third):
http://www.sentencing-guidelines.gov.uk/docs/a ssault-against-the%20person.pdf
(See the table on page 13 for 'GBH with intent'. Page 15 deals with 'GBH', while page 17 has sentences for 'ABH').

Additionally though, it's possible (indeed, probably quite likely) that the judge could pass an 'IPP' (="Indeterminate Public Protection") sentence. That's effectively the same as a life sentence, in that the judge sets a 'tariff' period, before which the offender can't be released - but his eventual release can't occur until it's deemed that he no longer presents a risk to society.

My guess (based upon some fairly limited information), is an IPP, with a tariff in the region of 5 to 7 years.

Chris

[jake-the-peg]

Just as addition to Buenchico's excellent answer. the offender's age is important here an IPP sentence cannot be passed against someone under 18.