Possessive ex-partners who kill after end of relationship face tougher sentences
Possessive ex-partners whose murders involve strangulation or can be linked to the end of a relationship with their victim will face tougher sentences.
Judges will have the power to impose longer jail terms for the two new statutory aggravating factors following a review into domestic homicide sentencing by barrister Clare Wade.
It comes as part of a government crackdown on violence against women.
Alex Davies-Jones, the minister for violence against women and girls, said: ‘The level of violence against women is a national crisis which this Government is determined to tackle, and that includes ensuring the punishment fits the crime for the most abhorrent crimes.’
The changes for England and Wales are expected to come into force next year.
The Law Commission has also been asked to review the overall sentencing framework for murder and the law of homicide.
This comes in response to issues raised by campaigners, including how diminished responsibility is considered and whether current sentencing rules properly reflect the seriousness of domestic murders.
The Ministry of Justice said 85 people, mainly women, are killed by their current or ex-partner each year, mostly in the home.
Ms Wade’s review of a number of murder cases found 30% involved strangulation and 40% happened at the end, or perceived end, of a relationship – all involving female victims and male killers.
Lord Chancellor and Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood said: ‘As part of the Government’s plan for change, we are cracking down on violence against women and creating safer streets.
‘I fully recognise the concerns raised around homicide law and sentencing, but these are incredibly complex issues and previous tinkering is what has led to the current disparities, so it is right that the Law Commission takes a comprehensive look at it.’
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