Today the Ministry of Justice announced two new statutory aggravating factors for murder sentencing, along with a review of homicide law and sentencing.
The Domestic Abuse Commissioner for England and Wales, Nicole Jacobs says, “I am pleased that strangulation and killing at the end of a relationship will become statutory aggravating factors for murder sentencing, and look forward to their introduction within 12 months.
“These changes, recommended by Clare Wade KC in her Domestic Homicide Sentencing Review, are a step in the right direction, but reforms will fall short unless all recommendations from her Review are implemented.
“I also welcome news that the Law Commission will conduct a broader review of homicide law and sentencing. It is essential that this review considers domestic abuse in its entirety – not just victims of domestic homicide, but those who kill their abusers.
“Losing a loved one to domestic homicide is an unimaginable tragedy. I hope that today’s measures support more bereaved families in achieving justice.”