Publications

Response to review of community sentences

This response to the Department of Justice consultation on a Consultation on review of community sentences comments on the range of disposals available to the judiciary to provide an effective response to adults sentenced for low level offending.
While acknowledging the high use of community sentences in Northern Ireland# more needs to be done to avoid the use of custody for low level and non-violent offences# including fine default.
Alternative diversionary measures should seek to address the root cause of offending# offer appropriate support to both victim and offender# and provide routes out of the cycle of re-offending.
There is a need to ensure ongoing work with sentencers to increase understanding of the particular needs of different categories of offenders and facilitate the use of the full range of non-custodial sentences.

review-of-community-sentences-consultation-april-2011.pdf