Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

Stricter sentences for domestic killers announced

The measures aim to address concerns about inconsistencies in the sentencing framework for murder, particularly in domestic settings.

Stricter sentences for domestic killers announced

THE GOVERNMENT has announced tougher sentencing guidelines for domestic murders, focusing on cases involving strangulation or killings linked to the end of relationships.

Judges will now be required to consider stricter penalties for such crimes under two new statutory aggravating factors introduced on 6 December 2024.


These changes implement recommendations from Clare Wade KC’s Domestic Homicide Sentencing Review and are part of the government’s broader efforts to tackle violence against women and girls.

The measures aim to address concerns about inconsistencies in the sentencing framework for murder, particularly in domestic settings.

The Law Commission has been tasked with conducting a comprehensive review of homicide law and sentencing, the first of its kind since 2006. This will include examining how diminished responsibility is considered and whether current guidelines reflect the severity of domestic murders.

Lord Chancellor Shabana Mahmood said the review will address disparities caused by previous piecemeal changes and ensure the sentencing framework aligns with modern understanding of domestic abuse.

Statistics show that around 85 people, predominantly women, are killed annually by current or former partners. Of the murder cases reviewed by Clare Wade KC, 30 per cent involved strangulation, and 40 per cent occurred at the end of a relationship, with all victims in these cases being women and the perpetrators men.

Additional measures introduced by the government to reduce violence against women include plans for domestic abuse specialists in emergency call centres, enhanced victim protections, and new legal tools to address stalking and spiking incidents.

The statutory aggravating factors will be implemented following consultation and are expected to take effect next year.

More For You

Donald Trump

Trump announced a series of tariff increases targeting various nations, including key US allies such as the UK and the European Union.

Getty Images

Trump’s tariffs hit global markets, Starmer warns of 'economic impact'

The UK and other global economies reacted on Thursday to US president Donald Trump's newly imposed tariffs, with prime minister Keir Starmer warning of an “economic impact” from the 10 per cent levy on British exports.

Trump announced a series of tariff increases targeting various nations, including key US allies such as the UK and the European Union.

Keep ReadingShow less
India told to prepare for deadly rise in temperatures

The country can expect more heatwave days this year

India told to prepare for deadly rise in temperatures

INDIA can expect hotter-thanusual temperatures this summer with more heatwave days taking a toll on lives and livelihoods, the weather office warned.

The country is no stranger to scorching summers, but years of scientific research has found climate change is causing heatwaves to become longer, more frequent and more intense.

Keep ReadingShow less
Tower Hamlets secures funding to save domestic abuse support jobs

The planned strike action was called off after the external funding was secured

Tower Hamlets secures funding to save domestic abuse support jobs

Ruby Gregory

REDUNDANCY proposals which would have seen job cuts made to a ‘crucial’ domestic abuse support service in Tower Hamlets have been called off.

Solace Women’s Aid, which planned to make cuts, confirmed last Friday (28) the redundancies were no longer going ahead, following a boost in external funding which followed a threat of strike action.

Keep ReadingShow less
Report reveals Birmingham’s doctors face racism and bullying
Absences have risen at the Queen Elizabeth and Heartlands Hospitals in Birmingham, as well as Good Hope in Sutton and Solihull Hospital

Report reveals Birmingham’s doctors face racism and bullying

Gurdip Thandi

YOUNG doctors in Birmingham hospitals face a ‘shocking’ number of incidents of bullying, racism and sexism from patients and other staff.

The Medical Academy Annual Report was presented to a University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust board meeting, which revealed the data.

Keep ReadingShow less
Former police officer arrested in Rotherham investigation

Investigators believe the earlier offences happened between 1995 and 2002 (Photo for representation: iStock)

Former police officer arrested in Rotherham investigation

A FORMER police officer has been arrested in connection with the ongoing investigation into child sexual abuse in Rotherham, authorities revealed on Tuesday (1).

The former constable, who is in his 50s, was taken into custody on Monday (31). He is suspected of raping a teenage girl in the South Yorkshire town in 2004, according to officials.

Keep ReadingShow less