A range of new criminal offences, as well as tougher sentences for existing offences, come into effect from today.
The Justice Minister says the changes mark a milestone in the Government's efforts to build stronger, safer communities.
The maximum sentence for assault causing harm, a common offence in domestic abuse cases as well as in other assaults, has increased from five years to ten years.
The scope of the existing harassment offence is widened to include any conduct that seriously interferes with a person’s peace and privacy, or causes alarm, distress or harm.
A new standalone offence of stalking, with a maximum sentence of up to ten years, has been created and is now in effect.
A standalone offence of non-fatal strangulation or non-fatal suffocation with a maximum sentence of up to ten years, and a standalone offence of non-fatal strangulation or non-fatal suffocation causing serious harm with a maximum sentence of up to life imprisonment, is also created and is now in effect.
The maximum sentence for assaulting or threatening to assault a Garda or other on duty emergency workers increases from 7 to 12 years.
The maximum sentence for conspiracy to murder increases from the current penalty of 10 years to life imprisonment to further toughen the laws around gangland crime.
