Assembly Committee Launches Call for Evidence on Sentencing Bill

The Assembly’s Committee for Justice has launched a Call for Evidence on the Criminal Justice (Sentencing etc) Bill, which is proposing wide‑ranging reforms to the sentencing framework here.

The Bill contains a series of important measures aimed at strengthening the sentencing system, improving transparency and enhancing public confidence in how sentences are determined.

Key provisions within the legislation include new powers to refer and review unduly lenient sentences, a new offence relating to assaults on public sector workers and stronger penalties for causing death or serious injury through driving offences.

The introduction of Charlotte’s Law* will establish robust new measures to deal with murder cases where an offender fails to reveal the location of a victim’s remains, ensuring this refusal is fully reflected in how the courts determine sentence.

New aggravating factors will be introduced for offences that target certain protected groups and vulnerable individuals.

The Bill will also implement a range of technical amendments designed to tidy and modernise sentencing policy and practice.

Chair of the Committee for Justice, Paul Frew MLA said: “This Bill represents a wide‑ranging and long‑awaited update to our sentencing framework, and it is essential that we get it right.

“We want to hear directly from those impacted by the justice system including victims, practitioners, community organisations and members of the public.

“The public’s experiences and insights will play a vital role in helping us scrutinise the Bill and in ensuring that any reforms are fair, effective, and capable of strengthening confidence in sentencing across Northern Ireland.”

The six-week Call for Evidence opened on 30 March and closes on 08 May.

The Committee is inviting written submissions, comments and evidence to assist its scrutiny of the Bill and to help shape effective, balanced, and deliverable reforms.

Members of the public and interested organisations can find full details on how to participate here and via official social media channels.

Ends

For further information please contact Felicity Templeton, Assembly Communications Office felicity.templeton@niassembly.gov.uk / 07977 635930

Notes to editors:

• *Charlotte’s Law – is named after Charlotte Murray, who was murdered in 2012. Her killer was convicted but has never revealed the location of her remains, prompting her family to lead a long-standing campaign for reform.
• The Sentencing Bill is being brought forward by the Department of Justice and was introduced to the Assembly on 3 March 2026.
• You can find out more about the Sentencing Bill on our website, here.