04/03/2008

Remission For Sex Offenders Could End

A plan to end remission for dangerous sex offenders has come before parliament.

The policy has been heavily campaigned throughout Northern Ireland for over some time, and the government agreed to end the remission policy for sex offenders over 14 months ago.

The existing legislation provides a 50 per cent remission for sex offenders, which entitles convicted offenders to serve half of their sentence.

Policing and Justice Minister Paul Goggins has finally presented the bill to ministers amongst new public protection laws, requesting they are added to statute books.

Mr Goggins said it is a "significant step in the development of a stronger sentencing framework for Northern Ireland," which has "public protection at its core".

Other elements of the policy include the introduction of electronic tagging and extended curfews for offenders, will be implemented by May.

Mr Goggins also said the new Order, released for consultation in November and endorsed by the Northern Ireland Assembly, received widespread support.

(DW/JM)


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