Menu
31/01/2013
No Jail Time Served For Fuel Smuggling In 10 Years
In the last decade no-one has been jailed for fuel smuggling in Northern Ireland, a senior customs officer has revealed.
Assistant director of criminal investigation for HMRC, John Whiting, made the comments following the discovery of a diesel laundering plant in County Armagh.
Mr Whiting said the issue of jail has been raised with the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee, “as a matter of concern".
"There are a number of discussions taking place, we are aware that the Lord Chief Justice has prepared some sentencing guidelines, we are also engaged with the Department of Justice in a review of comparative sentencing with England and Wales compared to Northern Ireland.
"One of the things that we have been concerned about - that we have no right of appeal in respect of unduly lenient sentences - the Department of Justice is consulting about a new piece of legislation on that issue.
"They are being sentenced, but with suspended sentences. They are getting imprisonment but it is suspended.”
His comments were made following a raid on Wednesday. Officers removed 14 tonnes of toxic waste from an isolated shed near the village of Jonesborough in south Armagh.
Large underground tanks being used to launder green diesel were discovered.
(H)
Assistant director of criminal investigation for HMRC, John Whiting, made the comments following the discovery of a diesel laundering plant in County Armagh.
Mr Whiting said the issue of jail has been raised with the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee, “as a matter of concern".
"There are a number of discussions taking place, we are aware that the Lord Chief Justice has prepared some sentencing guidelines, we are also engaged with the Department of Justice in a review of comparative sentencing with England and Wales compared to Northern Ireland.
"One of the things that we have been concerned about - that we have no right of appeal in respect of unduly lenient sentences - the Department of Justice is consulting about a new piece of legislation on that issue.
"They are being sentenced, but with suspended sentences. They are getting imprisonment but it is suspended.”
His comments were made following a raid on Wednesday. Officers removed 14 tonnes of toxic waste from an isolated shed near the village of Jonesborough in south Armagh.
Large underground tanks being used to launder green diesel were discovered.
(H)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
14 November 2024
Police Appeal Following Burglary In Ahoghill
Detectives are appealing for information following a report of a burglary in Ahoghill on Tuesday, 12th November. Police received a report that the back door of a house on the Ballymena Road was forced open shortly before 6pm.
Police Appeal Following Burglary In Ahoghill
Detectives are appealing for information following a report of a burglary in Ahoghill on Tuesday, 12th November. Police received a report that the back door of a house on the Ballymena Road was forced open shortly before 6pm.
01 July 2010
Judges' Sentencing Guidelines To Go Online
Justice Minister David Ford has welcomed a Judicial Report on Sentencing Guidance published this week by the Lord Chief Justice. This Judicial Report on Sentencing Guidance makes recommendations on monitoring and developing sentencing guidance for all court tiers that will enhance consistency and increase public confidence in the courts.
Judges' Sentencing Guidelines To Go Online
Justice Minister David Ford has welcomed a Judicial Report on Sentencing Guidance published this week by the Lord Chief Justice. This Judicial Report on Sentencing Guidance makes recommendations on monitoring and developing sentencing guidance for all court tiers that will enhance consistency and increase public confidence in the courts.
08 November 2007
Law Will Outlaw Automatic 50% Remission
The much-debated 50% remission available to Ulster prisoners is to no longer apply to violent criminals and sex offenders. Those jailed in Northern Ireland should now face longer jail sentences under new legislation being introduced at Westminster.
Law Will Outlaw Automatic 50% Remission
The much-debated 50% remission available to Ulster prisoners is to no longer apply to violent criminals and sex offenders. Those jailed in Northern Ireland should now face longer jail sentences under new legislation being introduced at Westminster.
21 July 2023
DoJ Publishes New Protocol For Delivery Of Restorative Justice
A new Protocol for the delivery of restorative justice in Northern Ireland has been published by the Department of Justice (DoJ). The new 2023 Protocol will govern the use of restorative interventions in the criminal justice system in NI and details how a new accreditation process will work for organisations and individuals.
DoJ Publishes New Protocol For Delivery Of Restorative Justice
A new Protocol for the delivery of restorative justice in Northern Ireland has been published by the Department of Justice (DoJ). The new 2023 Protocol will govern the use of restorative interventions in the criminal justice system in NI and details how a new accreditation process will work for organisations and individuals.
18 October 2010
Justice Bill Seeks Better Deal For Victims
For the first time in four decades, a new Justice Bill has been published in Northern Ireland.
Justice Bill Seeks Better Deal For Victims
For the first time in four decades, a new Justice Bill has been published in Northern Ireland.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
