Actions by the Courts
Where serious injury or ill health (not exclusive) has resulted, we may request the Magistrates to refer the case to the Crown Court. The same factors as listed under Enforcement options are used, but consideration is also given to the sentencing powers of the Magistrates' Court.
Penalties
The existing law gives the courts considerable scope to punish offenders and deter others. In some cases, the higher courts may impose unlimited fines and imprisonment. We will continue to raise the court’s awareness to the gravity of offences. We will encourage them to make full use of their powers.
We will always seek to recover the investigation and court proceedings costs.