Justice Minister Naomi Long has launched a public consultation seeking views on a range of issues related to sentence reduction for individuals who plead guilty.

The consultation is part of wider efforts to tackle delays within the criminal justice system, improve the experience for victims and enhance public confidence.

The consultation is considering several key questions, including whether the current system for sentence reduction should be revised, if more should be done to raise awareness of these arrangements, and whether the existing levels of reduction available for guilty pleas are appropriate. It also seeks views on a recommendation from the Gillen Review regarding the possibility of greater reduction for "really early" guilty pleas in relation to certain offences.

Launching the consultation, Minister Long said: "Northern Ireland has a high level of cases where long preparations for a trial are swept away by a change of plea."

She outlined her focus: "So, this is now the particular area that I would like considered: improvements to the way cases involving changes of plea are dealt with and the way in which subsequent sentence reduction procedures can apply." Minister Long highlighted the benefits of early admissions of responsibility: "Where an offender admits responsibility early in the process, it takes away uncertainty and can avoid the trauma for a victim who might otherwise have to attend court, give evidence and face cross-examination." She added that this should also reduce avoidable delay and allow cases to conclude more quickly.

However, the Minister acknowledged the potential negative perception: "At the same time, however, sentence reduction can be seen as being to the advantage of the offender and can damage public confidence in the court process."

Minister Long reiterated her commitment to an efficient and effective justice system and stressed that her Department is keen to hear a range of views from the public and stakeholders on this crucial issue.

Significantly, the consultation does not include the possibility of imposing a stiffer sentence in cases where a person pleads not guilty and is subsequently convicted. The Minister explained: "Under UK law, everyone is innocent until proven guilty - a fundamental principle of the justice system. Any proposal for longer sentences for those who plead not guilty and are then found guilty would, in effect, be punishing the individual in question for exercising their fundamental right to plead not guilty."

More information is available in the consultation section on the Department's website. Responses to the consultation should be submitted through the Citizen Space website.

The consultation is open until 11th July 2025.