Minister planning tougher sentencing for attacks on emergency services

This new offence will carry a higher maximum penalty on conviction than the sentences currently available

Justice Minister Naomi Long has confirmed that she will seek to introduce tougher sentences for those convicted of attacks on emergency services as part of her Sentencing Bill, which is due to be introduced at Stormont later this year.

The minister confirmed the move in response to a written question from DUP MLA Peter Martin, who asked whether she plans to introduce legislation to toughen sentencing for those who attack police officers and emergency service workers.

In response to the question, Naomi Long confirmed that she intended to introduce the legislation to the Assembly before the end of 2025.

“My proposed Sentencing Bill will legislate for a new offence of assaulting a person who is providing services to the public, performing a public duty or providing a public service. This would include attacks on police officers and emergency service workers,” she said.

“This new offence will carry a higher maximum penalty on conviction than the sentences currently available for similar, less serious assault offences.

“Additionally, if a more serious assault offence is charged, I will make the fact that the victim is such a worker a statutory aggravating factor, meaning the courts will be required to reflect this specifically in the sentences imposed.

“I intend to introduce this Sentencing Bill before the end of 2025.”

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