Justice Minister Naomi Long has announced a comprehensive Review of Sentencing Policy in Northern Ireland. A primary focus of the review will be the appropriateness of prison sentences for the unlawful killing of emergency workers while on duty.

The scope of the review is extensive, covering the legislative frameworks for several categories of crime, including serious sexual offences, drug-related crimes, firework offences, animal welfare, and environmental crime. Additionally, the review will scrutinise the use of 'good character' evidence in court and evaluate current sentencing guideline mechanisms by comparing them with recent developments in other jurisdictions, such as England and Wales.

Minister Long stated: "Sentencing is a vital part of the justice system in Northern Ireland. It often involves complex considerations and requires a delicate balance to be struck between the rights of defendants on the one hand and the needs and expectations of victims and the public generally on the other.

"This challenging task is performed by a skilled judiciary whose job is to deliver fair and appropriate sentences independently of government in every case which comes before the criminal courts. The role of government is to provide a flexible and robust sentencing framework which is fit for purpose and within which the judiciary can exercise its judicial function effectively." The Minister further explained that the review aims to identify proposals that will strengthen the existing framework to ensure it remains both effective and proportionate. Recommendations arising from this process will be subject to a full public consultation.

The announcement has been welcomed by Ulster Unionist Justice Spokesperson Doug Beattie MC MLA, who highlighted the need for fundamental reform to restore public confidence.

Doug Beattie MC MLA said: "The Ulster Unionist Party welcomes the sentencing review outlined by the Justice Minister to work alongside the Sentencing Bill that will be published soon. Where I understand the range of areas this review will look at, including sexual crimes and the iniquitous 'good character references', it is the wider application of sentence criteria that needs to be scrutinised.

"As the party justice spokesperson, I have been calling for a review for some time, particularly on how sentences are formulated, transparency, and continuity of sentences that gives the public confidence in our judiciary and a better understanding of sentence application. I have been particularly vocal on the need to review, and change, how perpetrators receive sentence credit for extremely late guilty pleas. I do not believe that 20-25% off a sentence for a guilty plea as late as the day the trial starts is fair on the victims or society."

Mr Beattie also advocated for the establishment of a sentencing council to support the judiciary and ensure that sentences more accurately match the crimes committed.

The Department of Justice also confirmed plans to introduce a separate draft Sentencing Bill to the Assembly in early 2026. This bill will implement recommendations from a previous review and legislate for "Charlotte's Law" and new statutory aggravators for hate crimes.