Sentences for knife crimes will be doubled – as part of a crackdown on juvenile delinquency in NSW
- Maximum prison sentence increased to four years
- The fine for wielding a knife has been increased to $11,000
- Infringement notification possible for first offenders
Maximum penalties for possessing or wielding a knife in a public place will double in NSW due to concerns about street violence.
The NSW government will introduce legislation to Parliament on Tuesday amending the Crimes Act to include the offenses of having a knife in a public place or school and wielding a knife in a public place or school.
These offenses are currently covered by the Summary of Offenses Act.
The move means the maximum jail term for those offenses will be increased from two to four years.
The maximum fine for possession of a knife will be increased from $2,200 to $4,400 and for handling a knife to $11,000.
The maximum sentence for possession of a knife is being doubled in NSW due to concerns about mob violence
Attorney General Michael Daley says the reforms strike the right balance and send a strong signal about the seriousness of knife-related crime.
“The government is acting to address the understandable concern of the community given the high-profile tragic knife-related events we have witnessed in NSW in recent years.”
The reform comes two months after 29-year-old paramedic Steven Tougher was stabbed to death during a meal break at McDonald’s in Sydney’s South West Campbelltown.
His death shocked the community and devastated his family, colleagues and pregnant wife Madison, who gave birth to their second child last month.
The reform comes two months after 29-year-old paramedic Steven Tougher (right) was stabbed to death during a meal break at McDonald’s in Campbelltown in southwest Sydney.
Under the proposed reforms, the derivation mechanisms of the criminal justice system for juveniles and first-time offenders will be preserved.
The offenses of possession of a knife and use of a knife are Table 1 offenses, meaning they will be tried summarily unless the prosecutor or defendant decides otherwise.
An adult can still be fined an offense for a first offense for knife possession, meaning the person doesn’t have to come to court.
Children and young people are still eligible for a warning or referral to the Juvenile Justice Conference where appropriate.