Assisting self-harm could result in five-year jail term under proposed offence

The change to the law seeks to replace the existing offence to cover all ways self-harm could be aided (PA) - (PA Archive)

Anyone who assists someone to self-harm – such as by giving them a blade or pills – could face up to five years in prison under plans for a new offence.

Ministers are seeking to broaden the law to criminalise those who encourage or assist self-harm online or in person, as part of the Crime and Policing Bill.