Violent Crime Reduction Bill

Although these amendments are gathered under the general heading of ““Weapons etc.””, they have some important separate dimensions. I will therefore spend a little time discussing the distinct groups of amendments covered by the heading. Amendments Nos. 33 to 38 relate to the new offence of using someone to mind a weapon. They extend the definition of a ““dangerous weapon””, as stated in the Bill, to cover all specified offensive weapons. As currently drafted, the definition is more limited. We agreed to consider such an extension to the definition for the new offence, and subsequently amended the Bill in the other place to make the legislation as useful as possible. Amendment No. 37 confirms that the sentence for those aged under 21 for this offence is detention. Amendment No. 38 is a technical amendment to clarify the section to which the provision will refer.