Northern Ireland law on sexual offences updated

The Government has introduced a range of practical improvements to streamline legislation on sexual offences in Northern Ireland and introduced tougher sentences for offences against children.

Minister of State, John Spellar confirmed that one of the main changes would be an increase in the maximum penalty for indecent conduct "towards a child from two to ten years' imprisonment, so the protection is now the same as in England and Wales".

"The Government is committed to improving not only the criminal justice system as a whole in Northern Ireland, but also its practical, day-to-day workings and strives to make it more efficient, effective and equitable.

"Most of the provisions brought into force today aim either to reduce delays or promote greater equality between Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK as regards certain sexual offences," he added.

Other amendments to sexual offences included in the Order are:

• a male may now be the victim of rape;
• heterosexual anal intercourse is now no longer an offence in many circumstances;
• the presumption in law that a boy under 14 years old is incapable of sexual intercourse has been abolished.

These changes to the law in Northern Ireland reflect amendments already made in England and Wales.

(SP)