Stalking To Become A Standalone Criminal Offence

Thursday, 21 April 2022 09:53

By Caoimhe Harney

The crime will carry a prison sentence of up to ten years.

The cabinet has approved plans for stalking to become a standalone criminal offence - with a prison sentence of up to 10 years.

The legislation is expected to pass the Dáil and Seanad by the end of the year.

Minister McEntee is to make stalking and non-fatal strangulation standalone offences.

The changes are aimed at creating a greater awareness and reporting of stalking offences.

Court orders restraining stalking behaviours without a criminal prosecution will be introduced.

Justice Minister Helen McEntee brought a memo to cabinet on Wednesday, which was backed by other ministers.

Fianna Fáil senator Lisa Chambers says the crime will be severely punished:

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