A CALL for a debate on legislation to deal with attacks on prison officers and police — in the wake of the death of Nick Medlin and Westminster terror attack victim PC Keith Palmer — has been made by Isle of Wight MP Andrew Turner.
Mr Medlin died following an incident outside a pub in Ventnor on Christmas Day.
During a parliamentary session yesterday (Thursday), Mr Turner asked: "The trial of the man charged with the manslaughter of Nick Medlin starts on June 26. May we have a debate on introducing a specific offence to deal with those who attack the people who protect us?"
David Lidington, lord president of the council and leader of the House of Commons, said however: "While I express my utter condolences to the family of the prison officer who lost his life on the Isle of Wight, my honourable friend will understand that I cannot comment on a matter that is to be the subject of a criminal trial.
"The courts already have powers to impose an additional sentence on grounds of aggravation if an attack has been upon a police officer."
Current Crown Prosecution Guidance is that prison officers, while acting as such, have all the powers, authority, protection and privileges of a police constable.
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