AQW 10848/22-27

Ms Claire Sugden
Independent
East Londonderry

Tabled Date: 25/04/2024
Answered On Date: 08/05/2024
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Justice to detail any steps she is taking to prevent the use of good character references in relation to those accused of sexual offences.

Answer:

I am aware of concerns around the use of good character references in court proceedings and am giving this matter my consideration. It will be important to take views from key stakeholders and also to learn from experiences in other jurisdictions to help inform my thinking.