28/02/2003
Tough new laws considered for rioters
Rioters could face up to 12 months in jail under new legislation being considered by the government, it was revealed today.
The government has announced its intention to change the law and increase sentences for those found guilty of public order offences from six months to a year.
NIO Minister Des Browne said: "Many people still view riotous behaviour as an insignificant crime bordering on the socially unacceptable rather than the criminal.
"This tougher penalty, and the new arrest power, demonstrates that behaving in this way will not be tolerated by this government, the police or the public.
"No one should have any doubts as to the consequences of indulging in this violent activity. The police will arrest rioters on the spot and the offenders will face a lengthy prison sentence."
The change to the legislation will be made through an amendment to the draft Criminal Justice (Northern Ireland) Order 2003.
In addition, an amendment will be made to provide that the accused does not have the option of jury trial, which would otherwise be available where there is a maximum sentence of 12 months in a magistrate's court. Also, provision will be made to make riotous behaviour an arrestable offence.
Alliance Party Justice Spokesperson Stephen Farry has welcomed the announcement. However, Dr Farry said the initiative must be backed up by a "pro-active policy" of making arrests and prosecuting those engaged in street violence.
"There widespread public disgust at the sight of people engaging in public order disturbances such as street violence or illegally blocking roads. Too often the response of the authorities is to contain the disorder, meaning those involved get away with breaking the law. Often it seems that the more people there are engaged in public disorder, the greater their chance of getting away scot free," he said.
"These proposed changes in legislation may go some way to addressing our problems. However, the real deterrent is when those intent on engaging in street violence know there is a good chance of being arrested and prosecuted."
Consultation on the proposed Order was due to end on March 13. However, to allow extra time for consideration of the additional provision, the consultation period has been extended by one week.
(GMcG)
The government has announced its intention to change the law and increase sentences for those found guilty of public order offences from six months to a year.
NIO Minister Des Browne said: "Many people still view riotous behaviour as an insignificant crime bordering on the socially unacceptable rather than the criminal.
"This tougher penalty, and the new arrest power, demonstrates that behaving in this way will not be tolerated by this government, the police or the public.
"No one should have any doubts as to the consequences of indulging in this violent activity. The police will arrest rioters on the spot and the offenders will face a lengthy prison sentence."
The change to the legislation will be made through an amendment to the draft Criminal Justice (Northern Ireland) Order 2003.
In addition, an amendment will be made to provide that the accused does not have the option of jury trial, which would otherwise be available where there is a maximum sentence of 12 months in a magistrate's court. Also, provision will be made to make riotous behaviour an arrestable offence.
Alliance Party Justice Spokesperson Stephen Farry has welcomed the announcement. However, Dr Farry said the initiative must be backed up by a "pro-active policy" of making arrests and prosecuting those engaged in street violence.
"There widespread public disgust at the sight of people engaging in public order disturbances such as street violence or illegally blocking roads. Too often the response of the authorities is to contain the disorder, meaning those involved get away with breaking the law. Often it seems that the more people there are engaged in public disorder, the greater their chance of getting away scot free," he said.
"These proposed changes in legislation may go some way to addressing our problems. However, the real deterrent is when those intent on engaging in street violence know there is a good chance of being arrested and prosecuted."
Consultation on the proposed Order was due to end on March 13. However, to allow extra time for consideration of the additional provision, the consultation period has been extended by one week.
(GMcG)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
25 March 2024
PHA Warns Of Increasing Cases Of Tuberculosis In NI
The Public Health Agency (PHA) has issued a warning over a steady increase in cases of tuberculosis (TB) in Northern Ireland since 2020. There were 77 cases of TB notified to the PHA in 2023, an increase from 68 cases reported in 2022 and 55 cases reported in both 2021 and 2020.
PHA Warns Of Increasing Cases Of Tuberculosis In NI
The Public Health Agency (PHA) has issued a warning over a steady increase in cases of tuberculosis (TB) in Northern Ireland since 2020. There were 77 cases of TB notified to the PHA in 2023, an increase from 68 cases reported in 2022 and 55 cases reported in both 2021 and 2020.
21 March 2024
Call For Education On Violence Against Women And Girls
The Education Minister, Paul Givan, has been challenged by the SDLP on the proposed introduction of mandatory education around violence against women and girls in schools.
Call For Education On Violence Against Women And Girls
The Education Minister, Paul Givan, has been challenged by the SDLP on the proposed introduction of mandatory education around violence against women and girls in schools.
27 March 2024
SDLP Calls For Urgent Restoration Of North South Ministerial Council
The SDLP has called for the urgent restoration of the North South Ministerial Council (NSMC), which it said is needed to advance all-island cooperation following the restoration of the Stormont government earlier this year.
SDLP Calls For Urgent Restoration Of North South Ministerial Council
The SDLP has called for the urgent restoration of the North South Ministerial Council (NSMC), which it said is needed to advance all-island cooperation following the restoration of the Stormont government earlier this year.
24 January 2024
SDLP Proposes Amendment To Executive Formation Bill
The SDLP has said that it will seek to amend proposed legislation extending the deadline for the formation of an Executive after the previous deadline passed last week.
SDLP Proposes Amendment To Executive Formation Bill
The SDLP has said that it will seek to amend proposed legislation extending the deadline for the formation of an Executive after the previous deadline passed last week.
23 November 2004
Spellar calls for views on licensing laws in NI
Any changes to the licensing laws in Northern Ireland will aim to strike a balance between facilitating the sale of alcohol, public safety and the public interest. This is according to Minister for Social Development, John Spellar who was speaking last night at the Federation of the Retail Licensed Trade’s annual ball at the Europa Hotel.
Spellar calls for views on licensing laws in NI
Any changes to the licensing laws in Northern Ireland will aim to strike a balance between facilitating the sale of alcohol, public safety and the public interest. This is according to Minister for Social Development, John Spellar who was speaking last night at the Federation of the Retail Licensed Trade’s annual ball at the Europa Hotel.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:Mainly dry this morning with sunny spells then scattered showers breaking out this afternoon. A chilly start then feeling warmer in afternoon sunshine. Light southerly winds. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:Any showers at first soon dying out. Then dry overnight with clear periods and turning chilly with a touch of frost later tonight. Minimum temperature 1 °C.