Expert Voices: Using deferred sentences

One of the measures being introduced in the Sentencing Bill is the extension of the maximum period that a sentence can be deferred from 6 months to 12 months. For this Expert Voices seminar, which took place on the 11th November, we explored the creative use of deferred sentencing in the UK and abroad. We were delighted to host experts in the field to discuss this:
· Professor Julian Roberts KC, Emeritus Professor at the University of Oxford, Executive Director of the Sentencing Academy, and former member of the Sentencing Council (2010-2018), who gave a brief overview of the concept and context of deferral in England and Wales;
· Sheriff Shona Gilroy from the Glasgow Female Offenders Court, who talked about the use of the Structured Deferred Sentence as a tool or quasi-disposal in Scotland, using her experience in Glasgow Women's Court as illustration, and compared this with use of a deferred sentence generally;
· and Sergeant Sandy Thompson from West Midlands Police, who outlined how the use of deferred sentences allow problem solvers to: increase the use and effectiveness of Restorative Justice for victims, increase victim satisfaction within a criminal Justice process and work with Defendants to coach them towards the successful completion of community based punishments.
The event was chaired by our Head of Criminal Justice Practice, Claire Ely, and included a Q&A session.