Lincolnshire PCC hopes drink spiking will be made a specific offence

It's thought the measure may be part of the King's Speech later

Drink
Author: Andy MarshPublished 17th Jul 2024

Lincolnshire's Police and Crime Commissioner tells us he hopes drink spiking will be made a specific offence under new laws set by the government - which'll be announced by the King later today

It comes a year after our investigation found a lack of faith in the justice system was leading to cases being massively under-reported.

Speaking before he became PM - Sir Keir Starmer told us it was one of his priorities.

"This is a modern version of an offence against women and girls and we need to tackle it head on."

Locally it is something that we've an increased level of reporting in

"We've got an action plan - make it a specific offence and deal with what is yet another example of violence against women and girls."

We've also spoken to Lincolnshire Police and Crime Commissioner Mark Jones about the issue.

"Locally it is something that we've an increased level of reporting in - I think that's partly because we've been raising awareness about the issue."

It makes it clear to the criminal justice system that this is rising in priority

"It is something that's notoriously difficult to try and prove so any help through legislation to add clarity to that is gratefully received."

"Nationally police and crime commissioners have been working together to support a change to the legislation."

"At the same time it would be remiss of me not to point to the face that all these laws we make take up police time and we need to funding to go with that."

"It tells everyone that the system takes it seriously - it makes it clear to the criminal justice system that this is rising in priority - you can set proper sentencing guidelines around it.".

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