Jack Straw raises sentence for knife killers to 25 years

Murderers who kill with a knife will face a minimum jail term of 25 years from today.

Justice Secretary Jack Straw moved to increase the sentence from 15 years after a campaign by the family of Ben Kinsella, the 16-year-old who was stabbed to death on a night out in north London.

Three men given life sentences for the killing were told they can be released after 19 years.

The change means judges' starting point for sentences will increase to slightly less than the 30-year term for gun killings.

Mr Straw said: "I have seen the devastation that knife crime can cause. The loss of a loved one in any circumstances is heartbreaking, and even more so when they are the victim of a senseless and appalling murder.

"It is only right that those who carry knives with the intention of using them go to prison for a long time.

"I am determined to stamp out knife crime on our streets. The Government is very clear that serious crimes must have serious consequences."