EDUCATION – UTV: New laws tackle sex offenders 14/05/08 [NI]
New laws are to come into force which could see sex offenders being kept in jail indefinitely.
The fifty-per cent remission rule has also been scrapped.
It was almost eighteen months ago when the government promised to get tougher on those who commit sex offences.
A so-called indeterminate public protection sentence has also been introduced.
The Criminal Justice Minister has brought to an end the practice of fifty per cent remission.
It means those who have committed serious sex crimes and other crimes won`t be released from jail early from now on.
Fifty per cent remission has been in place here since 1976.
The government has given fourteen million pounds to agencies who deal with prisoners to help bring through the changes.
