Naomi Long

The Sentencing Bill will increase the maximum sentences for a number of offences while also introducing a new framework for hate crime.

It has been developed separately from a wide-ranging sentencing review announced by justice minister Naomi Long in January, which is ongoing.

The bill will increase the maximum penalty for causing death, or serious injury by dangerous driving or careless driving whilst under the influence of drink or drugs, from 14 years to 20 years.

It will also introduce a new offence and higher sentences for assaulting those providing a service to the public or performing a public duty.

The bill will also introduce what has been dubbed ‘Charlotte’s law’, which aims to reduce the trauma experienced by families of murder victims in so called ‘no body’ cases.

Charlotte’s law will see the creation of a statutory aggravator for failure to disclose the location of victims’ remains and new sentence reductions for post-sentence disclosures.

It will also introduce provisions equivalent to ‘Helen’s law’ in England and Wales, requiring Parole Commissioners to consider failure to disclose the location of victims’ remains in release decisions.

Drawing on a review of hate crime legislation led by Judge Desmond Marrinan, the bill will also introduce a statutory aggravator model for hate crime.

Mrs Long said: “Today is an important day for victims; legislation that will make a significant difference to sentencing policy is one step closer to coming into force.

“Victims of crime, and their families and representatives, have been integral to the development of this Bill.

“We have listened to the concerns they raised and we have responded. 

“With levels of racially motivated hate crime in Northern Ireland at record levels, the bill will make key changes to how we prosecute such offences.

“I am looking forward to continuing to work with all those with an interest in sentencing policy as this bill proceeds through the Assembly.”