Jail Remission ‘Will End In 2008’

Automatic 50% remission for seriously violent and dangerous offenders in Northern Ireland will end next year, the security minister has said.

Paul Goggins is to publish draft legislation shortly, which will also include electronic tagging for less serious criminals.

He said the new laws would be a major step forward in protecting the public and one people would welcome.

“They have long anticipated its introduction,” he said.

“I can tell them I’ll be putting this into legislation in the new year and I hope to have it actually available to the court in May of next year.”