Part 7: Sentencing and release Chapter 1: Custodial sentences Section 123: Penalty for causing or allowing a child or vulnerable adult to die or suffer serious physical harm
Section 123 amends section 5 of the Domestic Violence, Crime and Victims Act 2004 to increase, for England and Wales, the maximum penalties available, upon conviction on indictment, for the offence of causing or allowing a child or vulnerable adult to die or suffer serious physical harm.
	Subsection (2) increases the maximum penalty under section 5(7) of the 2004 Act from 14 years’ imprisonment to life imprisonment if a person dies. Subsection (3) increases the maximum penalty under section 5(8) of the 2004 Act from 10 years’ imprisonment to 14 years’ imprisonment if a person suffers serious physical harm.
	Subsection (4) provides that the increased maximum penalties applies only to offences committed on or after commencement of these provisions.
	Subsection (5) amends Schedule 19 to the Code, which lists offences where, if certain conditions are present, the penalty must be imprisonment for life, to include the offence of causing or allowing a child or vulnerable adult to die.