article_snippet: Almost one in three crimes is ‘inappropriately’ punished with a police caution or penalty notice, including some that carry a maximum sentence of life imprisonment, such as rape, MPs say.
article_snippet: The Home Affairs Select Committee points to an ‘alarming’ rise of the caution culture – which grew and peaked under the Labour government – and says this has damaged public confidence in the justice system.
article_snippet: Despite ministers insisting cautions are ‘inappropriate’ for serious offences, 70 sexual and violent offenders a week received one in the past four years.
article_snippet: But too many cautions were being handed out ‘inappropriately’, says the committee.
article_snippet: The report welcomes reforms being introduced by Justice Secretary Chris Grayling that will end the caution culture which led to criminals being let off with a warning.
article_snippet: Last year the Mail revealed that 90 rapists have received only a caution since the Coalition came to power.
highlights_snippet: ‘inappropriately’ punished with police caution .
  
highlights_snippet: Home Affairs Select Committee points to ‘alarming’ rise of caution culture .