South Central Ambulance Service (SCAS) has welcomed new guidance from the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) aimed at delivering swifter justice for assaults on emergency workers.
The updated approach empowers prosecutors to select charges that reflect the seriousness of an offence while enabling less severe cases to be handled more quickly in magistrates’ courts. Previously, most cases were automatically sent to Crown Court, often causing lengthy delays, even when sentencing could have taken place sooner and more efficiently elsewhere.
SCAS, which covers Andover and the surrounding areas, has seen a number of incidents where frontline staff have faced abuse and violence while responding to emergencies. The service hopes the changes will help protect crews working across the region, including those based locally.
Becky Southall, chief governance officer at SCAS and executive lead for violence reduction and prevention, backed the move and said it sends a strong message that assaults on emergency staff will not be tolerated. She said:
“Assaults on emergency workers are unacceptable. No frontline worker should be assaulted in the line of duty.
“This is a positive step by the CPS to bring swifter justice, and it doesn’t mean criminals who assault emergency workers will face lighter sentences. Prosecutors will still be taking the most serious cases to Crown Court and seeking convictions with lengthy prison time where the level of harm merits it.
“I hope it encourages anyone who experiences any kind of assault whilst at work to report it.”
The new guidance also strengthens the response to serious assaults, urging prosecutors to consider wider charges – such as actual bodily harm (ABH) or grievous bodily harm (GBH) – where supported by evidence.
Additionally, the CPS has pledged to give greater weight to victim impact statements when deciding charges, ensuring the personal toll on emergency workers is more clearly represented in the legal process.
SCAS hopes the changes will not only speed up justice but also provide greater reassurance and support to staff working on the frontline in places like Andover.