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13/12/2024
Other News In Brief
Alliance Welcomes 'Ongoing Success' Of Enhanced Stalking Protections
The Alliance Party has welcomed the "ongoing success" of Northern Ireland's enhanced stalking protections.
The party's Justice spokesperson, Connie Egan MLA, said that the stalking legislation introduced by Justice Minister Naomi Long is making significant progress in enhancing protections for victims.
The North Down MLA said: "Since the Protection from Stalking Act (NI) became law in 2022, 90% of stalking and threatening or abusive behaviour conviction cases were dealt with within one year, according to statistics released by the Department of Justice. This legislation is making a real impact, enabling the legal system to take robust action.
"This vital legislation has introduced new Stalking Protection Orders which have enabled police to better respond to reports earlier, applying restrictions on perpetrators if they break the Order, as this is now a criminal offence. The Act also ensures that stalking is clearly defined as behaviour which is fixated, obsessive, unwanted and repetitive, providing protections for victims.
"I thank the Minister for her hard work on this matter and for making significant progress in enhancing protections for victims. Alliance will continue to support victims of stalking and ensure they are protected. Stalking has a significant psychological and physical impact on victims. This legislation has provided the police and justice system with an important tool to tackle this insidious behaviour, to support victims and hold perpetrators to account.
"Nobody who is experiencing stalking should suffer in silence or feel alone. I would encourage anyone subjected to stalking to report it to the PSNI and to get in touch with victims organisations for further support."
Dog Owner Sentenced After Child Attack
A Co. Antrim woman has been sentenced to a two-year conditional discharge after her dog attacked a five-year-old girl in the Stormont Estate.
Angela Hollywood, from Loughview Road, Aldergrove, pleaded guilty to the offence. The court also ordered her to pay legal costs of £135.
The court issued a destruction order for the Old English Sheepdog, unless Ms Hollywood takes necessary steps to prevent future incidents.
SF Condemns Attack On Belfast Office Of Commonwealth Games
Sinn Féin has condemned those responsible for an attack on the Commonwealth Games offices in Belfast.
Deirdre Hargey MLA said: "I condemn the attack on the Commonwealth Games office, which saw windows and doors smashed on the premises.
"The police are treating it as a hate crime and are looking to hear from anyone who was in the area between 10pm and 10:20pm yesterday and saw anything suspicious.
"Those responsible for this act of vandalism should be brought to justice and I would appeal to anyone with information to report it to the PSNI."
The Alliance Party has welcomed the "ongoing success" of Northern Ireland's enhanced stalking protections.
The party's Justice spokesperson, Connie Egan MLA, said that the stalking legislation introduced by Justice Minister Naomi Long is making significant progress in enhancing protections for victims.
The North Down MLA said: "Since the Protection from Stalking Act (NI) became law in 2022, 90% of stalking and threatening or abusive behaviour conviction cases were dealt with within one year, according to statistics released by the Department of Justice. This legislation is making a real impact, enabling the legal system to take robust action.
"This vital legislation has introduced new Stalking Protection Orders which have enabled police to better respond to reports earlier, applying restrictions on perpetrators if they break the Order, as this is now a criminal offence. The Act also ensures that stalking is clearly defined as behaviour which is fixated, obsessive, unwanted and repetitive, providing protections for victims.
"Nobody who is experiencing stalking should suffer in silence or feel alone. I would encourage anyone subjected to stalking to report it to the PSNI and to get in touch with victims organisations for further support."
Dog Owner Sentenced After Child Attack
A Co. Antrim woman has been sentenced to a two-year conditional discharge after her dog attacked a five-year-old girl in the Stormont Estate.
Angela Hollywood, from Loughview Road, Aldergrove, pleaded guilty to the offence. The court also ordered her to pay legal costs of £135.
The court issued a destruction order for the Old English Sheepdog, unless Ms Hollywood takes necessary steps to prevent future incidents.
SF Condemns Attack On Belfast Office Of Commonwealth Games
Sinn Féin has condemned those responsible for an attack on the Commonwealth Games offices in Belfast.
Deirdre Hargey MLA said: "I condemn the attack on the Commonwealth Games office, which saw windows and doors smashed on the premises.
"The police are treating it as a hate crime and are looking to hear from anyone who was in the area between 10pm and 10:20pm yesterday and saw anything suspicious.
"Those responsible for this act of vandalism should be brought to justice and I would appeal to anyone with information to report it to the PSNI."
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
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23 February 2022
Fair And Well-Resourced Budget Needed For New Stalking Bill
Northern Ireland's new stalking legislation must be backed by a "fair and well-resourced budget", DUP North Antrim MLA and Justice Committee Chairperson Mervyn Storey has said. Welcoming the new Protection from Stalking Bill by the Assembly, Mr Storey said: "‘There can be no place for stalking in our society.
Fair And Well-Resourced Budget Needed For New Stalking Bill
Northern Ireland's new stalking legislation must be backed by a "fair and well-resourced budget", DUP North Antrim MLA and Justice Committee Chairperson Mervyn Storey has said. Welcoming the new Protection from Stalking Bill by the Assembly, Mr Storey said: "‘There can be no place for stalking in our society.
26 January 2022
Proposed Stalking Legislation 'Giant Step Forward' For NI - Long
Proposed new legislation to address the insidious crime of stalking, which is suffered and endured by many victims each and every day has been described as a "giant step forward" for Northern Ireland, Justice Minister Naomi Long has said.
Proposed Stalking Legislation 'Giant Step Forward' For NI - Long
Proposed new legislation to address the insidious crime of stalking, which is suffered and endured by many victims each and every day has been described as a "giant step forward" for Northern Ireland, Justice Minister Naomi Long has said.
26 September 2022
New Campaign Highlights Stalking Crime Legislation
Stalking is a crime in Northern Ireland and it will not be tolerated, Justice Minister Naomi Long has said as she launched a campaign to raise awareness of the new stalking offence. Minister Long has announced the introduction of the Protection from Stalking Act (Northern Ireland) 2022.
New Campaign Highlights Stalking Crime Legislation
Stalking is a crime in Northern Ireland and it will not be tolerated, Justice Minister Naomi Long has said as she launched a campaign to raise awareness of the new stalking offence. Minister Long has announced the introduction of the Protection from Stalking Act (Northern Ireland) 2022.
20 October 2023
New Stalking Protection Orders Are 'Key Tool' For PSNI
The Department of Justice has announced new Stalking Protection Orders for Northern Ireland, which they have said will be a key tool for police to use to protect victims of stalking where there is an immediate risk of harm.
New Stalking Protection Orders Are 'Key Tool' For PSNI
The Department of Justice has announced new Stalking Protection Orders for Northern Ireland, which they have said will be a key tool for police to use to protect victims of stalking where there is an immediate risk of harm.
13 December 2024
Stalking Protections Proving Successful
The Justice Minister, Naomi Long, has welcomed new figures demonstrating the success of enhanced stalking protections in Northern Ireland. An addendum to the first report on the Protection from Stalking Act (NI) 2022 shows that 90% of conviction cases for stalking and threatening or abusive behaviour were dealt with within a year.
Stalking Protections Proving Successful
The Justice Minister, Naomi Long, has welcomed new figures demonstrating the success of enhanced stalking protections in Northern Ireland. An addendum to the first report on the Protection from Stalking Act (NI) 2022 shows that 90% of conviction cases for stalking and threatening or abusive behaviour were dealt with within a year.
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Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:This evening will be dry and cloudy. Then the rest of the night will be dry with a good deal of cloud. Brisk southwesterly winds. Minimum temperature 7 °C.
