Justice Minister Naomi Long is set to introduce a new Sentencing Bill to the Northern Ireland Assembly, marking a significant overhaul of local sentencing policy.

The proposed legislation aims to address long-standing gaps in the justice system, particularly concerning road safety, the protection of public service workers, and the rights of victims' families.

One of the most high-profile elements of the Bill is the formal introduction of 'Charlotte's Law'. This measure is designed to alleviate the suffering of families in cases where a murderer refuses to disclose the location of a victim's remains. Under the new law, such a failure will become a statutory aggravating factor in sentencing. Furthermore, provisions equivalent to 'Helen's Law' will be introduced, requiring Parole Commissioners to explicitly consider a prisoner's non-cooperation regarding the location of remains when making release decisions.

Minister Naomi Long emphasised that the Bill is the result of extensive engagement with those directly affected: "This is a significant step in bringing forward this important piece of egislation, which will have a positive impact on the lives of thousands of people across Northern Ireland. "In developing this Bill, I have met and listened to a range of victims and stakeholder organisations. Their voices have been crucial and as we move closer to introducing the Sentencing Bill, I want to thank them for their invaluable contribution to this process."

The Bill proposes a significant increase in the maximum prison term for those convicted of causing death or serious injury by dangerous driving, or by careless driving while under the influence of drink or drugs. The maximum penalty is set to rise from 14 years to 20 years, reflecting the gravity of these offences.

Additionally, the legislation will create a new standalone offence for assaulting individuals who are performing a public duty or providing a service to the public. This is expected to offer greater legal protection to a wide range of workers, including emergency responders and retail staff.

Key Provisions of the Sentencing Bill:

• Driving Offences: Maximum sentences for causing death or serious injury by dangerous or drink/drug driving increased to 20 years.

• Public Service Protection: New offences and higher sentencing brackets for attacks on people performing public duties.

• Charlotte's Law: A statutory aggravator for "no body" cases to encourage the disclosure of victims' locations.

• Parole Reform: Legal requirement for Parole Commissioners to weigh non-disclosure of remains against an offender's release.

The Bill is expected to begin its legislative journey in the Assembly shortly, moving through the standard stages of debate and committee scrutiny.