LAS applaud new law resulting in tougher sentences for those who assault emergency services

A new bill which will result in tougher sentences for people who assault our crews and other emergency services workers will become law today. The Assaults on Emergency Workers (Offences) Bill, which will receive Royal Assent today, 13 September, will see the maximum prison sentence for a common assault where the victim is an emergency services or NHS worker double from six months to one year. The law means courts will consider more serious assaults committed against emergency workers as an aggravating factor in sentencing, therefore meriting an increased sentence. It will also give the power to take blood and saliva samples – with consent - from people who have spat at or bitten emergency workers. Failing to provide a sample will become an offence. The post We welcome new law which will result in tougher sentences for those who assault the emergency services appeared first on London Ambulance Service NHS Trust.