English city riots involved 'hardcore' of repeat offenders, first analysis shows [View All]

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Source: The Guardian

The riots that swept through English cities last month involved a hardcore of repeat offenders but also drew in others, particularly youngsters, who had no criminal history at all, the first official analysis has found.

Detailed Ministry of Justice scrutiny of the 1,715 defendants on riot-related charges who have faced the courts also show that magistrates and judges have taken an even tougher approach to sentencing than previously thought.

London courts are dealing with convicted rioters more harshly than those in other cities, according to the analysis.

The figures show that 90% of those before the courts were male, and most were young – with 21% aged 10-17 and 31% aged 18-20.

Read more: http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2011/sep/15/english-riots-hardcore-repeat-offenders