Minister McEntee Increases Maximum Sentences for Knife Offences
The Minister for Justice, Helen McEntee, has recently made a significant move to combat knife-related offences by signing a commencement order that increases the maximum sentences for four specific offences involving knives.
The new changes include raising the sentence for possessing a knife in a public place with the intent to cause harm from five years to seven years. Additionally, the sentences for trespassing with a knife, producing an article capable of inflicting serious injury, and dealing with prescribed offensive weapons have all been increased to seven or ten years.
Minister McEntee emphasized the seriousness of knife crimes, stating that they can have devastating consequences. The amendments were recommended by the knife crime sub-group of the Expert Forum on Anti-Social Behaviour, chaired by Minister of State James Browne.
This decision reflects the government’s commitment to addressing public concerns and ensuring that offenders are appropriately punished. It sends a clear message that knife-related offences are unacceptable in society.
