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Serious crimes such as assaulting a police officer and mugging will be punished by on-the-spot fines of up to £100, it has been reported.
The Home Office is considering plans that will see penalties handed out next year as an alternative to having thousands of offenders go through court.
The huge extension of fixed-penalty notices from early 2007 that would apply to nearly 30 offences including assault, threatening behaviour, obstructing or assaulting a police officer, possession of cannabis and drunkenness.
Reports suggest the move could remove an estimated 250,000 cases from magistrates courts.
The plans were drawn up after discussions with key agencies, including the Association of Chief Police Officers, but they have yet to be endorsed by ministers.
It is believed officials want to move quickly and legislation could be put through in the autumn with a start date pencilled in for early next year.
Criticism of the proposals come from the 30,000-strong Magistrates' Association which say they make a mockery of the criminal justice system and downgrade the gravity of offences that should go before the courts.
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What a totally ridiculous proposal, all the Association of Chief Police Officers want it for is so they won't have to do some work investigating crime, and can concentrate more on the motorist.
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Serious crimes such as assaulting a police officer
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That is laughable, as you would have to break into the police car first .. as you have more chance of being abducted by Aliens, than seeing a Police Officer walking about
29-09-2006, 10:27 PM
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