The Sentencing Bill, which is being brought forward by the Department of Justice, will deliver more stringent sentences for a range of offences.

Justice Minister Naomi Long said: “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.

“Victims of crime, and their families and representatives, have been integral to the development of this Bill.

“We have listened to the concerns they raised and we have responded.

“With levels of racially motivated hate crime in Northern Ireland at record levels, the Bill will make key changes to how we prosecute such offences.

“I am looking forward to continuing to work with all those with an interest in sentencing policy as this Bill proceeds through the Assembly.”

The Bill will increase the maximum penalty for causing death, or serious injury by dangerous driving or careless driving whilst under the influence of drink or drugs, from 14 years to 20 years.

It will also introduce a new offence and higher sentences for assaulting those providing a service to the public or performing a public duty.

Drawing on a review of hate crime legislation led by Judge Desmond Marrinan, the Bill will also help victims of hate crime by modernising hate crime laws in Northern Ireland.

Director of the Northern Ireland Retail Consortium, Neil Johnston had previously welcomed the Bill, and along with representatives from Usdaw, had met with the Justice Minister last October to champion the cause of giving retail workers better legal protection from assault.

“Retailers have campaigned strongly for this measure alongside the shop workers union, Usdaw. We were happy to engage with the Justice Minister on the subject, delighted that she has incorporated this measure into her Bill and very much welcome her introduction of the Bill to the Assembly,” said Mr Johnston.

The post Sentencing Bill introduced to the Assembly first appeared on Neighbourhood Retailer.

Director of the Northern Ireland Retail Consortium (NIRC), Neil Johnston said he welcomed the confirmation from the Justice Minister that the Bill would be introduced before Christmas.

Justice Minister, Naomi Long had previously announced her proposal to introduce a Sentencing Bill in Northern Ireland to make assault of public facing workers a specific criminal offence.

NIRC and Usdaw had written to the Minister on this subject and met with her last October.

Neil Johnston said the confirmation of the introduction before Christmas was good news.

“This is very welcome news, not least because Naomi Long has included in this Bill a new offence of assaulting a person providing a public service, performing a public duty or providing services to the public,” he said.

The offence will include those working in a retail environment and will carry a higher maximum sentence in the magistrates’ courts than that currently available for common assault (12 months rather than the normal magistrates’ courts maximum of six months).

The fact that the victim of a more serious assault is providing a service to the public or performing a public duty will also be made a statutory aggravating factor.

NIRC, in conjunction with the shop workers trade union USDAW, has been championing the cause of giving retail workers better legal protection from assault.

“NIRC was delighted to receive written confirmation that the Sentencing Bill is to begin its legislative journey in the next few weeks,” said Mr Johnston.

“It is imperative that all the political parties work together on the Justice Committee and in the Assembly Chamber to ensure that this Bill becomes an Act within the current Assembly term.

“Sadly, the levels of abuse and violence against shop workers have escalated in recent years and action is needed.”

The post Sentencing Bill to be introduced to Assembly before Christmas first appeared on Neighbourhood Retailer.