THE GOVERNMENT IS to pass legislation which will introduce minimum sentencing for repeat sex offenders, it emerged today.
It was announced that a private member’s bill brought in by Minister of State Kevin ‘Boxer’ Moran will be adopted by the Government.
The new law will only apply when an offender is convicted of and is sentenced to imprisonment for a period of at least five years. If that person commits another sex offence within a seven-year period, then a tougher minimum sentence will be imposed.
Under the draft laws, the minimum period of prison time will three-quarters of the maximum term of imprisonment allowed for that crime.
In cases where the maximum imprisonment for that crime is life, then minimum sentencing of 10 years will apply.
The laws surrounding incest are also to be changed. As things stand, the punishment for incest by a man carries a sentence of up to life imprisonment whereas incest by a woman carries a maximum seven years imprisonment. The new law will aim to increase the maximum sentencing for women who commit this crime.
Moran said he was delighted that his private member’s bill is to be adopted by the Government and said that it should help protect families.
“Both issues will be contained in a Government Bill which Minister Flanagan will seek Cabinet approval for in the Autumn,” said Moran.
“I am truly delighted that my original Bill’s proposals are now being taken on by Government.
“I am absolutely delighted that I have been in a position to effect change and the fact that this Bill is now becoming part of Government legislation programme reflects the change that can happen from the Independent Alliance.”
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