Story perspectives

New Six-Month Window for Challenging Lenient Sentences Announced

4/9/2026

Summary

Story summary

David Lammy, the lord chancellor and justice secretary, announced a six-month window to challenge unduly lenient sentences.
This replaces the 28-day limit, addressing concerns grieving families could not engage promptly.
The government will require a legal duty to inform families of their rights under the scheme.
Victims' advocates Tracey Hanson and Katie Brett welcomed the changes.
The right to appeal remains limited to serious crimes tried in Crown Court.

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Story summary

David Lammy, the lord chancellor and justice secretary, announced a six-month window to challenge unduly lenient sentences.
This replaces the 28-day limit, addressing concerns grieving families could not engage promptly.
The government will require a legal duty to inform families of their rights under the scheme.
Victims' advocates Tracey Hanson and Katie Brett welcomed the changes.
The right to appeal remains limited to serious crimes tried in Crown Court.