New Justice powers introduced by Ford
The first raft of new justice powers created and debated in Northern Ireland in four decades come into force today (Tuesday).
~ Tuesday, 5 July 2011
Justice Minister David Ford has commenced a number of new provisions under the Northern Ireland Justice Act 2011 which secured Assembly approval in March.
Included in the provisions commenced today are:
The maximum sentence for common assault increases from three months to six months;
Widening the remit of Financial Reporting Orders (FROs) to allow police to monitor offenders financial affairs;
An increase in the deferred sentence period from six to 12 months.
David Ford said: “These new provisions flow from the first justice legislation to be passed by the Assembly in over 40 years and are an important part of my programme to reshape the justice system.
“The passage of the Justice Bill was an important milestone following the devolution of these powers to the Assembly.
“I remain committed to bringing forward the reforms that are necessary to improve our justice system and build a safer, shared society for all the people of Northern Ireland.”
The Minister will commence further powers under the Act in the months ahead.
Notes to editors:
1. The Justice Act (Northern Ireland) 2011 received Royal Assent on 4 May 2011.
2. Provisions that come into effect today (5th July 2011) are, in terms of sentencing powers:
An increase in maximum term for common assault or battery to six months imprisonment (section 51);
Enhanced breach powers for sex offender licence cases (section 54);
Additional offences to which Financial Reporting Orders (FROs) can apply (section 56). FROs are attached to convictions associated Proceeds of Crime legislation/organised crime to allow police to monitor offenders financial affairs;
An increase in the deferred sentence period from six to 12 months (section 53); and
Schedule 7, Paras 12 and 15 – Some technical amendments to the Sexual Offences Act 2003 and the Sexual Offences (NI) Order 2008.
In terms of court process and procedures:
Extending live link provisions for vulnerable accused and mentally disordered offenders (and a number of other amendments to fill gaps in the existing provisions) (sections 14 to19);
Amending court funds law by introducing a new power for a court to order certain payments to be made from funds held in court on behalf of minors or patients (section 98);
A technical amendment with regard to Proceeds of Crime appeal process (section 99);
Including the Attorney General’s and the DPP’s nominees in certain Court Rules Committees (sections 96 and 97); and
Amendments, repeals and provisions in relation to the provisions coming into force on 5 July 2011.
3. The Justice Act (Northern Ireland) 2011 can be viewed at: http://www.legislation.gov.uk/nia/2011/24/pdfs/nia_20110024_en.pdf
4. The Justice (2011 Act) (Commencement No. 1) Order (Northern Ireland) 2011 can be viewed at: http://www.legislation.gov.uk/nisr/2011/224/pdfs/nisr_20110224_en.pdf
5. All media queries should be directed to the Department of Justice Press Office on 028 9052 6444. Out of hours please contact the duty press officer via pager number 07699 715440 and your call will be returned.
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