The Assaults on Emergency Workers (Offences) Act 2018 came into force on 13 November 2018. The Act creates a statutory aggravating factor: Offence was committed against an emergency worker acting in the exercise of functions as such a worker.

The court must apply the aggravating factor to a range of offences:

• Threats to kill, Offences Against the Person Act 1861, s.16
• Wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, Offences Against the Person Act 1861, s18
• Malicious wounding, Offences Against the Person Act 1861, s20
• Assault occasioning actual bodily harm, Offences Against the Person Act 1861, s47
• Sexual assault, Sexual Offences Act 2003, s.3
• Unlawful act manslaughter
• Manslaughter by reason of loss of control
• Manslaughter by reason of diminished responsibility

The sentencing guidelines have been updated to reflect the legislation.