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Nearly one-third of Suffolk knife criminals received suspended sentences last year, compared to a quarter nationally, as experts question deterrent effectiveness.
Why it matters: A knife crime charity says the figures show the justice system is "not working" either as a deterrent or for rehabilitating offenders, while police point to a significant reduction in knife crime incidents across the county.
By the numbers: Suffolk has the third-lowest crime rates in the country but new figures from the Ministry of Justice reveal that 47 of 154 convictions for possession of a bladed article in the county resulted in suspended sentences in the year to September.
This represents 31% of knife possession convictions – the highest proportion since current records began in 2014
Only 32 offenders (21%) received immediate prison sentences
The remainder received community sentences (35) or cautions (17)
The big picture: The trend in Suffolk mirrors a national pattern, with suspended sentences for knife possession across England and Wales reaching their second-highest point in a decade.
4,303 suspended sentences were issued nationally, up from 4,144 in the previous year
This marks a significant increase from 2,347 suspended sentences in 2014
Suspended sentences now account for 25% of all knife possession convictions nationally
What they're saying: Patrick Green, CEO of the Ben Kinsella Trust, said there was a "severe disconnect" between the severity of knife crime and justice for victims.
"It begs the question: how can we effectively address knife crime when the very system meant to deter and punish offenders appears to be under such immense strain?" Green said.
"This data shows that the current system is not working, either as a deterrent or by providing the necessary rehabilitation to reduce reoffending."
Yes, but: Detective Chief Inspector Greg Moore, Suffolk Constabulary's knife crime lead, points out that "reducing knife crime is not as simple as handing out custodial sentences." He also highlights a 26.2% decrease in knife crime across the county between September 2023 and September 2024.
"Education, conditions and court orders can offer opportunities for people to remove themselves from anti-social behaviours and cycles of criminality," DCI Moore said.
"The constabulary has a number of different activities and initiatives targeting knife possession, serious violence and other criminality where knife crime is often associated."
The other side: A government spokesperson said sentencing in individual cases was a matter for the independent judiciary, which has "a broad range of sentencing powers to deal effectively and appropriately with offenders".
What's next: Ministers have announced a raft of anti-knife crime measures, including:
Introducing Ronan's Law to stop knives from being sold illegally online
Banning zombie-style knives and machetes
Delivering 13,000 new neighbourhood police officers
Developing a Young Futures programme to intervene earlier with children at risk of falling into crime
The bottom line: As Suffolk police implement preventative measures that appear to be reducing knife crime rates across the county, others question whether the justice system's increasing use of suspended sentences supports or undermines these efforts.
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