Menu
30/05/2012
On-The-Spot Fines Introduced To Speed Up The Justice System
New on-the-spot fines could speed the justice system up and send 1,500 less people to court each year, David Ford has said.
The Justice Minister was joined in Belfast by the PSNI's Assistant Chief Constable George Hamilton, to announce a scheme that allows police officers to slap fixed penalties on people caught drinking in public places.
The scheme comes into force next week, on June 6.
Mr Ford said: "Fixed penalty notices are about delivering speedy, effective and proportionate justice responses to a range of low level offences. Currently two-thirds of all crimes prosecuted through our courts result in the offender receiving a fine of £100 or less. Many of these cases involve individuals with little or no previous offending history, who have committed relatively minor offences which they admit in court. Fixed penalty notices will allow for these cases to be dealt with in a more efficient and proportionate way and at the same time free up vital resources within the criminal justice system."
A first-time offender could get a £40 fine for being drunk in a public place, or an £80 fine for disorderly behaviour.
Accepting the fine would allow offenders to avoid a criminal record.
ACC Hamilton said: "By issuing the fixed penalty notices, we cut down on the number of cases that are forwarded to the Public Prosecutions Service which in turn reduces bureaucracy and allows officers to spend more time out on the beat."
The move comes just days after Mayor of Bangor James McKerrow said the law against drinking in public should be more strictly enforced.
He was speaking after thousands of party-goers descended on a North Down beach and left five tonnes of litter behind.
(NE)
The Justice Minister was joined in Belfast by the PSNI's Assistant Chief Constable George Hamilton, to announce a scheme that allows police officers to slap fixed penalties on people caught drinking in public places.
The scheme comes into force next week, on June 6.
Mr Ford said: "Fixed penalty notices are about delivering speedy, effective and proportionate justice responses to a range of low level offences. Currently two-thirds of all crimes prosecuted through our courts result in the offender receiving a fine of £100 or less. Many of these cases involve individuals with little or no previous offending history, who have committed relatively minor offences which they admit in court. Fixed penalty notices will allow for these cases to be dealt with in a more efficient and proportionate way and at the same time free up vital resources within the criminal justice system."
A first-time offender could get a £40 fine for being drunk in a public place, or an £80 fine for disorderly behaviour.
Accepting the fine would allow offenders to avoid a criminal record.
ACC Hamilton said: "By issuing the fixed penalty notices, we cut down on the number of cases that are forwarded to the Public Prosecutions Service which in turn reduces bureaucracy and allows officers to spend more time out on the beat."
The move comes just days after Mayor of Bangor James McKerrow said the law against drinking in public should be more strictly enforced.
He was speaking after thousands of party-goers descended on a North Down beach and left five tonnes of litter behind.
(NE)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
21 November 2024
Public Consultation On Decriminalising Rough Sleeping And Begging
The public is invited to share their opinions on proposals to decriminalise rough sleeping and begging in Northern Ireland. Justice Minister Naomi Long has launched a consultation on the repeal of Section 4 of the Vagrancy Act 1824 and Section 3 of the Vagrancy (Ireland) Act 1847.
Public Consultation On Decriminalising Rough Sleeping And Begging
The public is invited to share their opinions on proposals to decriminalise rough sleeping and begging in Northern Ireland. Justice Minister Naomi Long has launched a consultation on the repeal of Section 4 of the Vagrancy Act 1824 and Section 3 of the Vagrancy (Ireland) Act 1847.
19 November 2024
Justice Minister Announces Additional Funding For Department
Justice Minister Naomi Long has welcomed the allocation of an additional £39.3 million to the Department of Justice following the October Monitoring Round. This funding will be used to address various pressures within the justice system, including those arising from the civil disorder during the summer.
Justice Minister Announces Additional Funding For Department
Justice Minister Naomi Long has welcomed the allocation of an additional £39.3 million to the Department of Justice following the October Monitoring Round. This funding will be used to address various pressures within the justice system, including those arising from the civil disorder during the summer.
31 July 2012
Thousands Jailed For Avoiding Court Fines
More than 2,000 people were jailed last year in Northern Ireland for not paying fines. The number of people jailed for missing their payments has risen by 76% in the two years since 2010, when a report called for the practice to be minimized. The number of imprisonments for defaulting on court orders was 2,179 last year.
Thousands Jailed For Avoiding Court Fines
More than 2,000 people were jailed last year in Northern Ireland for not paying fines. The number of people jailed for missing their payments has risen by 76% in the two years since 2010, when a report called for the practice to be minimized. The number of imprisonments for defaulting on court orders was 2,179 last year.
19 December 2011
UUP Slams Jailing Of NI Fine Defaulters
Gaol sentences are being used extensively across NI to punish those who fail to pay fines. The news has been slammed by the Ulster Unionist Party (UUP) Justice Spokesperson, Basil McCrea, (pictured).
UUP Slams Jailing Of NI Fine Defaulters
Gaol sentences are being used extensively across NI to punish those who fail to pay fines. The news has been slammed by the Ulster Unionist Party (UUP) Justice Spokesperson, Basil McCrea, (pictured).
19 March 2010
Jail Sentences For Fines May Be Scrapped
Alternatives to costly prison sentences for unpaid fines are being highlighted with news of a report on enforcement. The Northern Ireland Office Minister Paul Goggins has welcomed today's report on Fine Enforcement by the Criminal Justice Inspectorate.
Jail Sentences For Fines May Be Scrapped
Alternatives to costly prison sentences for unpaid fines are being highlighted with news of a report on enforcement. The Northern Ireland Office Minister Paul Goggins has welcomed today's report on Fine Enforcement by the Criminal Justice Inspectorate.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
