Later this year I intend to consult on a set of draft legislative proposals for a radical change to the structure of sentencing in Northern Ireland. These proposals include the introduction of indeterminate and extended public protection sentences that would in future put an end to automatic 50 per cent. remission for dangerous violent and sexual offenders. These sentences would mean that those committing the most serious offences could if necessary be detained indefinitely, while those committing other specified offences could be detained to the end of their prison sentence.
Separately I also intend to publish draft legislation to reform the law on sexual offences, with tough new penalties proposed for abusive sexual behaviour which violates the criminal code.