[Tezcatlipoca]

http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2008/feb/21/law.ukcrime

Originally Posted by The Guardian

# Clare Dyer, legal editor
# The Guardian,
# Thursday February 21 2008

So-called "happy slappers" who attack vulnerable victims and film the assaults should get stiffer sentences than they would for an unrecorded attack, the body which advises judges on sentencing decisions said yesterday. Their sentences should be even tougher if they humiliate the victim further by posting the images on the internet, the Sentencing Guidelines Council (SGC) said in its guidance on sentencing for assaults.

Acting in gangs, carrying a weapon, being under the influence of drink or drugs, targeting vulnerable victims such as elderly or disabled people, and attacking in an isolated place are all aggravating factors which should increase the sentence.

The council, chaired by the lord chief justice, Lord Phillips, said injuries inflicted in connection with an attempted honour killing or forced marriage should also carry heavier penalties, because they involve an abuse of a position of trust. Attacks on firefighters, nurses or others in the public sector or providing a service to the public will also merit stiff sentences.

(snip)