New Developments
The Violent Crime Reduction
Act 2006 has received implementation. This has brought into
effect a number of significant changes to the scheme of
enforcement. These are detailed below.
Check back here for updates on
proposed changes to the law on football banning orders.
Key changes brought in by the
Violent Crime Reduction Act 2006 -
-
Removal
of the time limitation on so called “key measures”. The
current scheme in relation to football banning orders had
been due
to expire in August 2007. This limitation has been removed.
-
Removal
of the National Membership Card Scheme (sections 1-7 FSA)
which was never implemented.
-
The courts are empowered to impose bail conditions in respect of
section 14B FSA civil proceedings for a football banning
order.
-
There is
provision now
for the prosecution to appeal a decision to refuse to make a
banning order.
-
Removal
of the requirement that in relation to a civil application
the respondent live within the area covered by the
applicant, ie, any chief officer of police may now
apply for a banning order in respect of any person,
irrespective of where they live.
-
Crown
Prosecutors are able to make applications on complaint.
-
A condition
will be added to all banning orders that the person
concerned must notify the Football Banning Authority of any
change of personal circumstances that could make it more
difficult for the enforcing authority to monitor and
administer.
-
The
maximum duration of banning orders made on complaint has
been increased from
between 2-3 years to between 3-5 years.
-
Schedule
1 has been amended to specifically include offences under
section 4A Public Order Act 1986 (presently only included
when the use or threat of violence is involved).
- In
relation to ticket touting section 166 Criminal Justice and
Public Order Act 1994 has been amended to ensure that
internet sales are covered.
The full
text of the Violent Crime Reduction Act 2006 is available
here. |
