The Department of Justice is weighing up its next move regarding a proposal to increase the maximum penalty for the offence of causing or allowing a child or vulnerable adult to die to life imprisonment.

The move follows a public consultation that explored potential changes to sentencing for those in a household where a death or serious physical injury has occurred. Currently, the maximum sentence for causing or allowing the death of a child or vulnerable adult is 14 years; the proposal suggests raising this to life imprisonment. Furthermore, the consultation proposed increasing the maximum penalty for causing or allowing serious physical harm from 10 years to 14 years.

Justice Minister Naomi Long, who recently published a summary of the feedback, noted that nearly nine in 10 respondents (89%) supported the move toward life sentences for those responsible for a death. A similar majority approved of the increased 14-year cap for cases involving serious physical harm.

Minister Long said: "I would like to thank those who engaged with the consultation for taking the time to provide such comprehensive responses. "Legislation is put in place to serve and protect the public, so it is only right that the public has a say with regards to the development of legislation and policy. The responses will now play a key part in the next steps taken by my officials on this very important issue."

The specific offence was originally introduced to address cases where it is evident that a member of a household is responsible for a death or injury, but there is insufficient evidence to identify the exact individual. Under these laws, all members of the household who had frequent contact with the victim can be charged if the harm was caused by an unlawful act. It also covers instances where one person causes the harm and another allows it to happen by failing in their duty to protect the victim.

Despite the overwhelming public support, the changes will not be implemented immediately. Because the proposals require primary legislation, the Department does not intend to introduce the revised arrangements during the current Assembly mandate.

The Minister added: "Overall, respondents overwhelmingly welcomed the proposal to increase the maximum custodial sentences for the offences.

"As these proposals require primary legislation, it is not my Department's intention to bring forward these revised sentencing arrangements during the current Assembly mandate. Consideration will be given to identifying an appropriate legislative vehicle to bring them forward during the next mandate."