New Sentencing Guidelines released on 3rd July by the Sentencing Council consider how arson and vandalism impact upon national heritage assets. Crimes included in this remit are arson, criminal damage/ arson with or without intent to endanger human life, racially and religious aggravated criminal damage and threats to destroy or damage property.
Significantly, the guidance acknowledges that damage to property can encompass intangible or non-financial harm.
The Guidelines will come into effect on 1st October 2019, and will be applicable across Magistrates’ and Crown Courts, greatly strengthening the sentencing provision in this area.
Read more about this here.