Ministry of Justice Statement

In Assault on Justice, Panorama reveals that almost 40,000 cases of assault were dealt with by cautions in England and Wales last year.

The following is a statement from the Ministry of Justice in relation to the issue:

"The Justice Secretary and the Home Secretary have been focussing closely on this issue, considering options to examine the use of Penalty Notices for Disorder and Cautions in light of representations expressing concern about their operation.

"As a result they plan to initiate a review of the use of these 'out of court' disposals, involving the inspectorates' of constabulary and the CPS. Further details will be announced shortly."