NEWS STORY- Victims and bereaved get more time to challenge lenient sentences

Victims and bereaved families will get longer to challenge sentences they don't feel fit the crime they've suffered.

• Victims and families of most heinous crimes to get longer to challenge sentences

• Reforms mean no victim be left in the dark about right to challenge Crown Court sentences

• Move will help deliver justice for all victims and restore faith in the justice system as part of the Plan for Change

Victims and bereaved families will have longer than ever to challenge sentences they don’t feel fit the crime they’ve suffered as the Government reforms the Unduly Lenient Sentence Scheme (9 April 2026).

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