A STUDY OF SENTENCING IN THE LEEDS MAGISTRATES COURTS - THE TREATMENT OF ETHNIC-MINORITY AND WHITE OFFENDERS

A survey conducted in Leeds magistrates' courts over a nine-month period in 1988 collected data on 3,700 defendants charged with offences triable either way (summarily or on indictment). Analysis was undertaken to determine whether any racial bias was apparent in the treatment of Afro-Caribbean and Asian as compared with white defendants. In sentences passed by magistrates no overall differences were detected between the different ethnic groups. In three sub-groups-defendants in the 26-30 years age group, female defendants, and those charged with theft-significantly more offenders of Afro-Caribbean origin did receive custodial sentences. However, in each case the variation in sentencing was accounted for by the criminal record of the defendant. No significant difference could be detected in the passing of non-custodial sentences; however, significantly more Afro-Caribbean than white defendants were committed by magistrates for trial at the Crown Court.