Calls for tougher sentences for assaults on emergency service staff

The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) announced last week that it is prosecuting 50 people a day for violence against emergency services workers since the introduction of the Assaults on Emergency Workers (Offences) Act.

Following the announcement the Association of Ambulance Chief Executives (AACE) called for tougher sentences to be routinely given to people found guilty of attacks on emergency services workers.

Managing Director of AACE Martin Flaherty OBE said: “We obviously welcome this increase in prosecutions but we now need to see the judiciary playing their part by routinely handing out tougher sentences to those who punch, kick, spit at, attack or verbally abuse ambulance staff who are trying to help care for patients and save lives.

“Sadly this is happening on a daily basis across the UK and until the perpetrators get the most powerful message possible that it is unacceptable and abhorrent to attack emergency workers who are trying to help them or their loved ones, we fear that the hard work put into getting this law passed will have been in vain.”