Justice Served As North's Laws Updated

The first raft of new justice powers created and debated in Northern Ireland in four decades come into force this week.

Stormont 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 are the maximum sentence for common assault increases from three months to six months along with a widening the remit of Financial Reporting Orders to allow police to monitor offenders financial affairs and an increase in the deferred sentence period from six to 12 months.

Under the terms of the Northern Ireland Justice Act 2011, the authorities also have wider powers to deal with sex offenders who breach the terms of their release licence.

Provisions to enable vulnerable or mentally unwell offenders to appear in court via videolink were also introduced as part of the Act, as were powers to monitor criminals' financial affairs.

The changes coming into effect represent the first tranche of the act, with further law changes set to be introduced later in the year.

Next month, legislation to create new public-order offences at sports events to help control the behaviour of violent or abusive fans will be placed on the statute.

The Alliance Party Leader and Justice Minister David Ford has welcomed the changes.

(BMcC/GK)