Menu
16/07/2008
Tougher Stance On Knife Crime Introduced
Tougher measures dealt out to knife crime offenders have come into effect in Northern Ireland.
The maximum prison term for anyone carrying a knife has doubled from two to four years. The new law will also see the same penalty apply to those charged with the illegal manufacture and sale of knives.
Announcing the 2nd Commencement Order of the Criminal Justice (Northern Ireland) Order 2008, Criminal Justice Minister Paul Goggins said: "Protecting the public remains at the forefront of these further reforms. These new powers send out a clear message that society will not tolerate those who continue to break the law and make life intolerable for their communities.
"The introduction and commencement of these new powers will strengthen and enhance public protection arrangements.
"I am only too well aware of the horrendous outcomes for those who suffer the violence of knife crime. Whilst the level of knife crime in Northern Ireland is not as high as it is in other parts of the UK, the harm caused to victims and their families can be devastating, so we should all work together to make it clear that carrying a knife is against the law, carries stiff penalties and could be lethal.
"People who carry knives put themselves and others at risk of serious injury."
The reforms will also see more powers available to punish sex offenders who breach their licence conditions and tougher road traffic offences to curb reckless driving.
(NS/JM)
The maximum prison term for anyone carrying a knife has doubled from two to four years. The new law will also see the same penalty apply to those charged with the illegal manufacture and sale of knives.
Announcing the 2nd Commencement Order of the Criminal Justice (Northern Ireland) Order 2008, Criminal Justice Minister Paul Goggins said: "Protecting the public remains at the forefront of these further reforms. These new powers send out a clear message that society will not tolerate those who continue to break the law and make life intolerable for their communities.
"The introduction and commencement of these new powers will strengthen and enhance public protection arrangements.
"I am only too well aware of the horrendous outcomes for those who suffer the violence of knife crime. Whilst the level of knife crime in Northern Ireland is not as high as it is in other parts of the UK, the harm caused to victims and their families can be devastating, so we should all work together to make it clear that carrying a knife is against the law, carries stiff penalties and could be lethal.
"People who carry knives put themselves and others at risk of serious injury."
The reforms will also see more powers available to punish sex offenders who breach their licence conditions and tougher road traffic offences to curb reckless driving.
(NS/JM)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
18 September 2006
Minister pledges to tackle NI knife culture
Criminal Justice Minister David Hanson is to announce a re-run of the knife amnesty in Northern Ireland later this year.
Minister pledges to tackle NI knife culture
Criminal Justice Minister David Hanson is to announce a re-run of the knife amnesty in Northern Ireland later this year.
24 May 2006
Knife crime 'disposal' campaign launched
A major campaign aimed at tackling knife crime in Northern Ireland has been launched in Belfast today. The campaign, which starts with an initial three-week amnesty period, is urging people to place knives in special collection bins set up at amenity sites throughout Northern Ireland.
Knife crime 'disposal' campaign launched
A major campaign aimed at tackling knife crime in Northern Ireland has been launched in Belfast today. The campaign, which starts with an initial three-week amnesty period, is urging people to place knives in special collection bins set up at amenity sites throughout Northern Ireland.
15 December 2008
Woman Arrested After Fatal Omagh Stabbing
A 36-year-old woman has been arrested following a fatal stabbing in Omagh this morning. The incident happened at a house in the Hospital Road area of the town. It is believed the 37-year-old victim, who had been stabbed, died from his injuries. Police have said the attack took place shortly after 3am.
Woman Arrested After Fatal Omagh Stabbing
A 36-year-old woman has been arrested following a fatal stabbing in Omagh this morning. The incident happened at a house in the Hospital Road area of the town. It is believed the 37-year-old victim, who had been stabbed, died from his injuries. Police have said the attack took place shortly after 3am.
07 June 2006
NI knife crime on the increase
Knife killings in Northern Ireland have doubled since the 1998 Good Friday agreement, a report by the PSNI has today revealed. The report, by PSNI analytical director Mark Evans, also revealed that there have been more than three violent incidents involving knives every day in the last six months.
NI knife crime on the increase
Knife killings in Northern Ireland have doubled since the 1998 Good Friday agreement, a report by the PSNI has today revealed. The report, by PSNI analytical director Mark Evans, also revealed that there have been more than three violent incidents involving knives every day in the last six months.
09 May 2012
East Belfast Robbery Highlights Knife Crime Culture
The DUP's East Belfast MLA Robin Newton has condemned a robbery at the weekend on the Woodstock Road. The MLA said the use of a knife in the robbery highlighted the prevalent nature of knife crime in Northern Ireland.
East Belfast Robbery Highlights Knife Crime Culture
The DUP's East Belfast MLA Robin Newton has condemned a robbery at the weekend on the Woodstock Road. The MLA said the use of a knife in the robbery highlighted the prevalent nature of knife crime in Northern Ireland.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:Rain clearing away east by early evening with some clear spells but a few showers likely to affect the North coast and other areas towards dawn, remaining breezy and mild overnight. Minimum temperature 9 °C.
