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?

1. Section 91 Powers of Criminal Courts (Sentencing) Act 2000  (back)
2. Section 91 Powers of Criminal Courts (Sentencing) Act 2000  (back)
3. Section 3 Sexual Offences Act 2003  (back)
4. Section 13 Sexual Offences Act 2003  (back)
5. Section 25 Sexual Offences Act 2003  (back)
6. Section 26 Sexual Offences Act 2003  (back)
7. Offences contrary to section 5(1)(a), (ab), (aba), (ac), (ad), (ae), (af), (c), (1A)(a) Firearms Act 1968  (back)
8. 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)