Dame Siobhan Keegan

The issue has become prominent in the last few months as the provision of a character reference by the chief executive of the Law Society of Northern Ireland, David Lavery, to his cousin, William Llloyd-Lavery, who was convicted of historical sexual offences in April, lost him his position as a human rights commissioner.

Mr Lavery also faces calls for his resignation from his position at the Law Society. A Special General Meeting of the Society is due to take place tomorrow where members are expected to call for a vote of no confidence in Mr Lavery.

Dame Siobhan further remarked that there is a discussion to be had in relation to character references.

Dame Siobhan said: “The law does not stipulate that a judge must take into account character references, but I know that character references do appear in cases.

“I think there’s a number of elements to this. It’s unwise for certain people to give character references to start with and I think that has come to pass in a number of circumstances”.

The Department of Justice has said that it is “actively seeking to address the use of good character references, which will require legislation” with justice minister Naomi Long, telling BBC’s Evening Extra in 2025 that she has “some significant concerns about the use of good character refs particularly in serious sexual offence cases.”

However, it is understood from comments made by the justice minister in 2024 that resourcing challenges and time constraints of a shortened mandate will prevent any progress on legislation in this area before 2027.