Sheerin: Sentencing Bill opportunity to address significant gaps in sentencing policy
Sinn Féin MLA Emma Sheerin has welcomed the Sentencing Bill introduced by the Justice Department but says her party will work with others to ensure the bill is strengthened and passed before the end of the mandate.
The Bill will introduce a new legal framework for dealing with hate crime, it will increase sentences for serious driving offences under the influence, and will introduce a new offence for assaults on frontline workers.
Speaking after the Executive approved the introduction of a Sentencing Bill to the Assembly, the party’s Justice Spokesperson said:
“I welcome the introduction of the Sentencing Bill which brings forward a range of proposals to address significant gaps in sentencing policy.
“This is particularly important given the disgraceful rise in attacks on frontline workers including healthcare workers, the rise of racist hate crimes and in particular the pain that is caused to families who have lost loved ones at the hands of drink and drug drivers.
“I want to praise the family of Enda Dolan, who have tirelessly campaigned over many years to increase sentences for drunk drivers.
“It is vital that this important legislation has a real impact for victims and their families and that these maximum sentences are handed down by the judiciary where necessary in order to give them justice.
“We will work with the Justice Minister and other parties to ensure that this Bill is strengthened and passed before the end of this mandate to ensure that families of loved ones who have suffered from serious crimes can be listened to and supported, and to put in place proper deterrents to protect more families from such pain and hurt.”