Justice Minister Naomi Long has introduced a significant new Sentencing Bill to the Northern Ireland Assembly, aimed at delivering more stringent penalties for a range of serious crimes. Developed in close consultation with victims and their families, the Bill seeks to modernise sentencing policy and provide greater protections for the public.

One of the most high-profile elements of the legislation is the creation of "Charlotte's Law". This is designed to reduce the trauma for families in "no body" murder cases by creating a statutory aggravator for offenders who fail to disclose the location of a victim's remains. It also introduces provisions similar to "Helen's Law" in England and Wales, requiring Parole Commissioners to consider such non-disclosure during release decisions.

Key Increases in Sentencing

The Bill proposes a significant hike in maximum penalties for several offences:

• Dangerous Driving: The maximum penalty for causing death or serious injury by dangerous driving (or careless driving while under the influence of drink or drugs) will increase from 14 years to 20 years. • Public Service Assaults: A new offence will be introduced with higher sentences for those who assault individuals providing a service to the public or performing a public duty.

• Hate Crime: Drawing on the Marrinan Review, the Bill modernises hate crime laws to better protect victims, specifically addressing the record levels of racially motivated offences in Northern Ireland.

Justice Minister Naomi Long stated: "Today is an important day for victims; legislation that will make a significant difference to sentencing policy is one step closer to coming into force. We have listened to the concerns victims raised and we have responded."

The introduction of the Bill has been welcomed by various advocacy groups. Ross Moorlock, CEO of the road safety charity Brake, welcomed the "robust and fair" sentencing for road crimes, noting that tougher sentences may act as a deterrent against dangerous driving and substance abuse behind the wheel.

Glyn Roberts, Chief Executive of Retail NI, also supported the move, highlighting that protecting staff from assault has been a long-term policy priority for the retail sector.

The Bill will now proceed through the Assembly for further debate and scrutiny.