Ford welcomes Judicial Report on Sentencing Guidance

2.28.00pm GMT Thu 1st Jul 2010

Justice Minister David Ford

Justice Minister David Ford has welcomed the Judicial Report on Sentencing Guidance published today 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.

David Ford said: "The importance of public confidence in sentencing was recognised in the Hillsborough Agreement which made a commitment that the establishment of a Sentencing Guidelines Council would be considered for Northern Ireland.

"I will be meeting that commitment by publishing, in the autumn, a consultation on a sentencing guidelines mechanism. I have been discussing this with the Lord Chief Justice and his announcement today makes a valuable contribution to this work.

"It is recognised that public confidence in the criminal justice system is very often affected by sentencing issues so these proposals, which identify ways to enhance consistency in sentencing, are very welcome.

"At times, public expectations around sentencing are a long way from what may be appropriate in an individual case. We have work to do in helping our community understand and think about the issues impacting on sentencing decisions.

"The measures proposed in today's report will not only provide valuable support to judges in making their decisions, but will also help to make the process more transparent."