Eoghan McKenna and Joe McVeigh

The society called on elected representatives to introduce a statutory presumption that an offender found guilty of assaulting an officer of the court should receive a custodial sentence, unless there are exceptional circumstances.

Speaking after the evidence session, Law Society junior vice president Eoghan McKenna said: “Attacks on solicitors have become a widespread and deeply troubling reality for far too many in our profession. A recent survey of members of the Law Society of Northern Ireland found that 66 per cent of respondents had been subjected to abuse or threats ranging from harassment to physical attacks. Solicitors have experienced this behaviour in their offices, at courthouses and, most insidiously, at their own homes.

“We welcome provisions in the Sentencing Bill currently before the Assembly which would introduce a new criminal offence of ‘assaulting a person delivering a public service’. Our ask is that elected representatives strengthen these provisions by introducing a statutory presumption against suspending a sentence where the victim is a solicitor or another officer of the court.

“Attacks on legal professionals are unacceptable, they risk undermining the rule of law and jeopardising confidence in the justice system. This is an opportunity for the Assembly to make a meaningful intervention.”