Grave Crime
Serious offences that have a maximum sentence for an adult of 14 years or more, and some violent and sexual offences.1
Grave crimes are:
- sexual or violent crimes that have a maximum sentence for an adult of 14 years or more.2
- certain sexual offences – sexual assault,3 child sex offences,4 sexual activity with child family member,5 inciting a child family member to engage in sexual activity.6
- certain firearms offences with mandatory minimum sentences.7
Children charged with a grave crime may have their case sent to the Crown Court if there is a real prospect, if convicted, they will receive a custodial sentence of substantially more than two years (the maximum sentence in the youth court.8 See Which Court?
- Section 91 Powers of Criminal Courts (Sentencing) Act 2000 (back)
- Section 91 Powers of Criminal Courts (Sentencing) Act 2000 (back)
- Section 3 Sexual Offences Act 2003 (back)
- Section 13 Sexual Offences Act 2003 (back)
- Section 25 Sexual Offences Act 2003 (back)
- Section 26 Sexual Offences Act 2003 (back)
- Offences contrary to section 5(1)(a), (ab), (aba), (ac), (ad), (ae), (af), (c), (1A)(a) Firearms Act 1968 (back)
- The maximum sentence in the youth court is a 2 year Detention and Training Order (DTO). Section 24A Magistrates’ Courts Act 1980, Section 51A(3)(b) Crime and Disorder Act 2003 (back)