31 January 2024 , 22:36
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No justice for women
Each week, two women die as a result of domestic violence. Thousands more suffer physical or mental abuse at the hands of husbands or partners. Anyone guilty of such crimes deserves to feel the full force of the law.
But at the moment, the criminal justice system is failing victims of domestic homicides. Under current laws, if a murderer has brought a weapon to the scene of the crime with intent to kill, he or she can expect to be sentenced for at least 25 years.
But if you kill someone with a weapon at home, the starting point is 15 years. This is not the only flaw in the justice system when it comes to domestic violence.
A quarter of domestic killings are by strangulation, but strangulation is not regarded as an aggravating factor when it comes to judges sentencing the culprit. If we want to protect women and see justice done then the laws must be changed.
A justice system that fails to recognise the seriousness of domestic violence is not a justice system worthy of that name.
Teachers, civil servants and train drivers walk out in biggest strike in decade
Only the start
From today, it is illegal to own an XL Bully dog unless it is neutered, registered and muzzled in public.
This new law marks a significant victory for this paper’s campaign to end the menace posed by dangerous dogs. While we are pleased the Government has intervened, it should not have taken so many deaths and maulings before they acted.
While XL Bully dogs are especially dangerous, they are not the only breed or crossbreed that poses a threat. That is why the Dangerous Dogs Act needs to be overhauled.
A glass act
Brewing giants are slashing the alcohol strength of their beers to take advantage of a tax break. You hope they pass on the savings to customers. Everyone would lift a glass to that.