Murderers who kill their partner at home could face extra 10 years in prison
Murderers who kill their partner or ex-partner at home could face an extra 10 years in prison as the Government moves to close a sentencing gap.
Most domestic murders have a 15-year sentencing starting point under the current law because they take place in the home with a weapon most likely already at the scene.
But for murders where a weapon is taken to the scene with intent, the starting point is 25 years.
The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) said it is consulting with the Sentencing Council to close the 10-year gap and treat domestic murders with the same severity.
Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy said: “For centuries, the law failed to protect women from violence at the hands of their partner – whether from marital rape or from abuse behind closed doors.
“Whilst we’ve made significant progress, we need to continue righting these wrongs.
“This change closes a long overdue gap and will ensure those who murder their partner face sentences that better reflect the devastating harm they cause.”
More than a fifth of all murders are domestic, and overwhelmingly women are the victims in these cases, the MoJ said.
Published: by Radio NewsHub