LEADING Royal Borough councillors have told the government to get tougher on sexual offences and impose life sentences for sex offenders.

Home Secretary Priti Patel and Justice Secretary Dominic Raab have been sent a joint letter by three Windsor and Maidenhead councillors to discuss tougher sentences for sex offenders, stalkers, and abusers.

The letter was sent by council leader Andrew Johnson, Cllr David Cannon, the lead member for crime, anti-social behaviour, and public protection, and Cllr Stuart Carroll, lead member for adult social care, children’s services, health, and mental health.

The Conservative councillors criticised the justice system for being “inadequate” and called for life sentences rapists and child abusers as well as sterner sentences for those who commit domestic abuse, sexual harassment, stalking, and malicious behaviour.

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In the letter, it states: “Having reviewed existing tariffs and the guidance within the criminal system, there is a clear imbalance between sentences for such crimes versus other crimes.

“That lack of relatively and proportionality remains a concern and area of vexation to some many local residents.

“This issue has been raised by a great number of local residents and we feel fully obliged to vigorously represent their views to you.

“As Conservatives, we have the shared interest and objective of ensuring robust approach to serious crime and placing law and order at the forefront of public administration.

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“Sadly, the current judicial review and tariffs for sentencing are weak, lacking credibility, and failing to protect victims and secure justice.”

Cllr Carroll said they have spoken to Mr Raab's adviser and hope to schedule a meeting soon.