Recommendation 12

The Victims’ Code sets out that victims of crime are entitled to be given information about the outcome of the case and any appeals. The Government should ensure that victims of crime and bereaved families receive tailored information about sentencing during the court process. The Government should amend the Victims’ Code to make clear that victims be entitled to ready access to information about how sentences are determined for offences relevant to the victim’s case, including average sentence lengths. When a sentence is handed down, victims should have ready access to information about how the sentence works. The Government should ensure that where they are 58 Public opinion and understanding of sentencing eligible, victims of crime and bereaved families should automatically be referred to accurate and clear information about the Unduly Lenient Sentence scheme in a timely fashion. The information should make clear the deadline for making an application under the scheme. These changes should be made before the Victims and Prisoners Bill receives Royal Assent.