MP calls for sentence review in child pornography case
25th January 2010
Mike Penning has written to the Attorney General calling for a review of the sentence handed out to local resident Matthew Howard.
Hemel Hempstead MP, Mike Penning has written to the Attorney General, the Rt Hon Baroness Scotland of Asthal QC, calling on her to review the sentence of a local man convicted of possessing over 2,500 items of pornography including images of children as young as 7. Fifteen of the images had been rated as level 5 – that is having the most severe content.
Matthew Howard was sentenced to only 6 months, suspended for 2 years, which effectively means he will be released straight back into the community.
Mike said:
“I am appalled that this man has, in effect, been released straight back in to the community. Although my own children are now in their late teens, I fully understand the worries and concerns of parents of young children. I firmly believe that this case should have resulted in a custodial sentence.”
The Attorney General has the power to refer sentences to the Court of Appeal for review.
Mike has prompted the Attorney General to review sentences in several cases and has consistently called for leniency in sentencing guidelines to be debated in the House of Commons.
