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20/09/2010
Sex Offender Justice To Be Reviewed
Following continuing controversy over this summer's return of two sexually abusive brothers back into their own rural community, there is to be review of procedures in such cases.
The Stormont Justice Minister, David Ford, has asked the Chief Inspector of Criminal Justice for Northern Ireland, Dr Michael Maguire, to examine how cases involving sex offenders are dealt with here.
Announcing his decision today, the Minister said that the management of the recent court case involving brothers, James and Owen-Roe McDermott from Donagh, Co Fermanagh, had raised questions that have to be resolved: "It is clear to me that there is a distinct lack of clarity surrounding the management of the case involving these brothers.
"I am very conscious that the way in which this information has come into the public domain has contributed to the distress of the victims and their families, and it is for that reason that I have asked Dr Maguire to carry out a detailed investigation," he said.
"Dr Maguire's statutory remit will not permit him to examine the detail of the McDermott case itself.
"What I am asking him to do is take a detailed look at the way in which such cases are managed by the justice system," Minister Ford continued.
"It is vital that the public have confidence about the way in which these matters are dealt with and I am determined that lessons are learned by all of the agencies involved," he said, noting that Dr Maguire is to provide an interim report by the end of October.
See: Calls For Combined Justice And Health Summit Over Donagh Brothers Abuse Case
(BMcC/GK)
The Stormont Justice Minister, David Ford, has asked the Chief Inspector of Criminal Justice for Northern Ireland, Dr Michael Maguire, to examine how cases involving sex offenders are dealt with here.
Announcing his decision today, the Minister said that the management of the recent court case involving brothers, James and Owen-Roe McDermott from Donagh, Co Fermanagh, had raised questions that have to be resolved: "It is clear to me that there is a distinct lack of clarity surrounding the management of the case involving these brothers.
"I am very conscious that the way in which this information has come into the public domain has contributed to the distress of the victims and their families, and it is for that reason that I have asked Dr Maguire to carry out a detailed investigation," he said.
"Dr Maguire's statutory remit will not permit him to examine the detail of the McDermott case itself.
"What I am asking him to do is take a detailed look at the way in which such cases are managed by the justice system," Minister Ford continued.
"It is vital that the public have confidence about the way in which these matters are dealt with and I am determined that lessons are learned by all of the agencies involved," he said, noting that Dr Maguire is to provide an interim report by the end of October.
See: Calls For Combined Justice And Health Summit Over Donagh Brothers Abuse Case
(BMcC/GK)
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11 November 2021
PPS Publish Latest Sexual Offences Statistics
Sixty eight percent of cases involving sexual offences in the past year resulted in conviction, down from 72.5% in 2019/20, according to the latest statistical bulletin from the Public Prosecution Service (PPS).
PPS Publish Latest Sexual Offences Statistics
Sixty eight percent of cases involving sexual offences in the past year resulted in conviction, down from 72.5% in 2019/20, according to the latest statistical bulletin from the Public Prosecution Service (PPS).
17 September 2010
Calls For Combined Justice And Health Summit Over Donagh Brothers Abuse Case
Continuing controversy over the return of two pervert brothers into the community they are said to have abused has led to further developments today.
Calls For Combined Justice And Health Summit Over Donagh Brothers Abuse Case
Continuing controversy over the return of two pervert brothers into the community they are said to have abused has led to further developments today.
21 July 2023
DoJ Publishes New Protocol For Delivery Of Restorative Justice
A new Protocol for the delivery of restorative justice in Northern Ireland has been published by the Department of Justice (DoJ). The new 2023 Protocol will govern the use of restorative interventions in the criminal justice system in NI and details how a new accreditation process will work for organisations and individuals.
DoJ Publishes New Protocol For Delivery Of Restorative Justice
A new Protocol for the delivery of restorative justice in Northern Ireland has been published by the Department of Justice (DoJ). The new 2023 Protocol will govern the use of restorative interventions in the criminal justice system in NI and details how a new accreditation process will work for organisations and individuals.
18 July 2014
OTR Report 'First Step In Rebuilding Justice System'
Justice Minister David Ford has said the findings of a report on the so-called 'On the Run' letters are the first steps in rebuilding confidence in the justice system. Lady Justice Hallett has completed a review, ordered by Prime Minister David Cameron, on the so-called 'On the Run' letters.
OTR Report 'First Step In Rebuilding Justice System'
Justice Minister David Ford has said the findings of a report on the so-called 'On the Run' letters are the first steps in rebuilding confidence in the justice system. Lady Justice Hallett has completed a review, ordered by Prime Minister David Cameron, on the so-called 'On the Run' letters.
15 December 2011
Women Left 'Shaken' After Shooting
The PSNI are today probing an overnight shooting in Co Londonderry. The incident was at Hawthorne Place in Coleraine and saw three masked men entering a house shortly before 5pm on Wednesday and then firing a shot into a wall in the property before the three made off.
Women Left 'Shaken' After Shooting
The PSNI are today probing an overnight shooting in Co Londonderry. The incident was at Hawthorne Place in Coleraine and saw three masked men entering a house shortly before 5pm on Wednesday and then firing a shot into a wall in the property before the three made off.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A very mild, but mostly cloudy day, although with some bright or sunny spells. It will be mostly dry in the morning, but a little patchy light rain or drizzle at times in the afternoon. Maximum temperature 14 °C.Tonight:A band of heavier rain will move east during the evening before clearing eastwards after midnight. then mostly dry through the early hours, but a little rain towards dawn. Minimum temperature 8 °C.
