Assaults on paramedics to be punished more severely

Attackers who injure emergency workers will face tougher punishment under new sentencing rules for judges and magistrates.

The aim is to penalise those who harm ambulance workers, nurses and firefighters. Pub staff and shop workers will be covered by the rules, announced today by the Government's Sentencing Council.

Drinkers who inflict injuries through spontaneous blows will also face harsher penalties, even if they had no intent to harm.

However, there will be more community sentences for attacks which cause minimal injury or none at all, meaning the overall number of people jailed for assault will fall. People who resist arrest or assault a police officer, but cause no injury, are likely to be dealt with more leniently.

Lord Justice Leveson, chairman of the Sentencing Council, said the aim was to reflect better the harm caused to victims and to place less emphasis on premeditation. The rules will come into effect in June.