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;1
- certain sexual offences – sexual assault;2
- child sex offences;3
- sexual activity with child family member;4
- inciting a child family member to engage in sexual activity.5
- certain firearms offences with mandatory minimum sentences.6
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.7
See Which Court?
- 1.a. b. Section 91 Powers of Criminal Courts (Sentencing) Act 2000
- 2. Section 3 Sexual Offences Act 2003
- 3. Section 13 Sexual Offences Act 2003
- 4. Section 25 Sexual Offences Act 2003
- 5. Section 26 Sexual Offences Act 2003
- 6. Offences contrary to section 5(1)(a), (ab), (aba), (ac), (ad), (ae), (af), (c), (1A)(a) Firearms Act 1968
- 7. 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