Arlene Foster calls for tougher sentencing for the murder of police officers

Arlene Foster has called for tougher sentencing for the murder of police officers and other public servants.
By Niall Deeney
Published 2nd Sep 2020, 17:39 BST
Updated 2nd Sep 2020, 17:48 BST
Handout photo issued by Press Eye of First Minister Arlene Foster.Handout photo issued by Press Eye of First Minister Arlene Foster.
Handout photo issued by Press Eye of First Minister Arlene Foster.

In a radio interview on Wednesday morning, the first minster said it is not “fair or just” that people who murder public servants such as soldiers, prison officers or health workers can expect to be given more lenient sentences in Northern Ireland than in any other part of the UK or Ireland.

Speaking to BBC Radio Ulster, she said Stormont needs to “have a very serious look” at sentencing.

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This comes after a man from Northern Ireland was handed a 40-year sentence in the Republic of Ireland for the capital murder of a police officer.

Aaron Brady, a 29-year-old from Crossmaglen in Co Armagh, was found guilty last month of the capital murder of Detective Garda Adrian Donohoe in Co Louth seven years ago.

The 41-year-old detective was shot during the robbery of Lordship Credit Union in Bellurgan on January 25 2013.

The crime carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 40 years in the Republic of Ireland, but the tariff for a similar offence in Northern Ireland starts at 15-16 years.

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In England and Wales, the crime carries a minimum sentence of 30 years and in Scotland it is 20 years.

Mrs Foster told the broadcaster: “It has been a concern of mine for some time.

“It is important that our justice service is fit for purpose.

“The justice system has to give justice to the victims, those people who have been wronged, and it has to reflect the harm that has been caused.

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“It has to be a deterrent so we deter people from that crime and there has to be an element of rehabilitation.”

The DUP leader also told the BBC she had raised the issue with Justice Minister Naomi Long following the sentencing of Aaron Brady.

Meanwhile, the chairman of the organisation representing rank-and-file police officers, the Police Federation, called for an urgent review of sentencing guidelines after fears that a woman jailed for 20 years for a pipe bomb murder bid on a police officer may only serve eight years.

Christine Connor, 34, was found guilty in July of four offences of attempted murder and possessing explosives with intent to endanger life which related to two incidents in May 2013.

Last month, Police Federation chairman Mark Lindsay said: “She may only actually serve eight years.”
He added: “An urgent and realistic review of sentencing guidelines is needed.”