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<p>Sentencing in individual cases is a matter for our independent judiciary, taking
account of the circumstances of the case and the maximum penalty for the offence.
But when sentencing an offender the courts must treat recent and relevant previous
convictions as an aggravating factor. There is also a mandatory minimum sentence of
three years’ imprisonment for a third conviction for domestic burglary. The sentencing
guideline for burglary aims to ensure that the effect on victims is at the centre
of considerations about what sentence each offender should receive. The average custodial
sentence length for domestic burglary has increased from 21.4 months in 2009 to 23.6
months in 2013.</p><p>This Government is committed to strengthening sentences, so
that they combine both punishment and requirements that are effective at preventing
further offending. We are transforming rehabilitation, by bringing together the best
of the public, private and voluntary sectors, and only rewarding them when they actually
do reduce re-offending.</p><p>During the 12 months ending June 2014, all local justice
areas sentenced at least one offender with 15 or more previous convictions to a sentence
that did not entail immediate custody for their latest conviction of a burglary offence.</p>
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