(ONLY in the U.K.) Heroin dealers to escape jail: New sentencing proposals mean pushers would go free - 29th Mar 2011

Drug dealers could in future escape jail even if they sell up to £2,000 worth of heroin.

New guidelines would allow courts to give community penalties to those playing a ‘subordinate’ role in a criminal gang.

The ‘lower level’ offenders – such as drug runners – could keep their liberty even if arrested over the sale of up to 50 grams of heroin or cocaine or up to 100 tablets of ecstasy.

Under the Sentencing Council’s proposals, these quantities would be seen as small. However, 50g is enough for 1,000 hits of heroin or 1,000 lines of cocaine.

Critics of the plans say the wrong message is being sent to criminals.

‘Anyone involved in the drug trade should face a custodial sentence and they should know they face a custodial sentence,’ said Tory MP James Clappison.

‘The idea you can supply 99 people with ecstasy and be described in any way as a minor participant is boggling. Nobody is going to put their hands up in court and say “I’m Mr Big”.’

Jail sentences will be reduced for dealers who say they are sorry or otherwise show remorse, the guidelines suggest. Read More