Private member’s bill would establish sentencing council

A private member’s bill to improve consistency in sentencing for criminal offences has been introduced to the Dáil.

Jonathan O’Brien, justice spokesperson for Sinn Féin, yesterday introduced the Sentencing Council Bill 2017.

The bill would create a sentencing council - a move which Fianna Fáil called for in advance of last year’s general election.

Speaking after the bill was introduced, Mr O’Brien said: “I would acknowledge that sentencing for some crimes has increased over the past number of years. However, there does appear to be a wide level of disparity for sexual offences and other offences.

“There is research on judicial sentencing habits conducted that has shown sentence lengths ranging from fourteen days to five months in an assault case; while for a theft case, sentences ranged between thirty days and nine months and between two and twelve months in road traffic and burglary cases.

“We believe that it is essential that there is public confidence in consistency of sentencing. A Sentencing Council can promote a clear, fair and consistent approach to sentencing and I am hopeful this Bill will receive support across the board.”