A10 Public service

Effective from: 01 October 2019

Care should be taken to avoid double counting factors including those already taken into account in assessing culpability or harm or those inherent in the offence

This reflects:

  • the fact that people in public facing roles are more exposed to the possibility of harm and consequently more vulnerable and/or
  • the fact that someone is working in the public interest merits the additional protection of the courts.

This applies whether the victim is a public or private employee or acting in a voluntary capacity.

Care should be taken to avoid double counting where the statutory aggravating factor relating to emergency workers or to those providing a public service, performing a public duty or providing services to the public applies.