Is perverting the course of justice a criminal offence?

Perverting the course of justice is a serious criminal offence that can carry a sentence of up to life in prison and whilst life imprisonment is unlikely, it is unusual for the court to impose a penalty other than a prison sentence.

How long do you get for perverting the course of justice UK?

The maximum sentence that can be imposed for perverting the course of justice is life imprisonment and/or a fine. However, Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) sentencing guidelines recommend a prison sentence for this crime of between four and 36 months.

How do you prove perverting the course of justice?

Any act that interferes with an investigation or misdirects it may amount to perverting the course of justice. The prosecution must prove that there is a possibility that what the suspect has done, without further actions, might lead to a wrongful consequence, such as the arrest of an innocent person.

What is the minimum sentence for perverting the course of justice?

A prison sentence will be imposed for perverting the course of justice in the majority of cases, but the current CPS guidelines recommend an average sentence length of between four and 36 months. The court may also impose a fine, a suspended sentence or a community order.

What are public justice offences incorporating the charging?

This guidance sets out the key provisions in relation to perverting the course of justice. It also covers perjury, offences concerning witnesses and jurors; offences involving the police (such as obstructing the police and wasting police time); offences concerning prisoners and offenders; and those involving coroners.

When do prosecutions for public justice offences go ahead?

In some cases there may be public interest factors against a prosecution; however, prosecutions for public justice offences should usually go ahead and those factors should be put to the court for consideration when sentence is being passed.

Which is an indictable only offence in the UK?

Other indictable-only offences include murder, manslaughter, robbery and rape. This gives some indication of the seriousness with which the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) treats allegations of perverting the course of justice. What are the sentencing guidelines for perverting the course of justice?