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Last Updated: Tuesday, 25 October 2005, 11:33 GMT 12:33 UK
Sentence scheme for crime victims
Crime victim
The minister said it was important victims understood the process
Victims of crime are to be given more information about offenders, under a new Probation Board initiative.

Those registered for the Victim Information Scheme will receive details on supervision arrangements, conditions and any subsequent court rulings.

Confidentiality means personal details of offenders will not be given out.

Criminal Justice Minister David Hanson said it was "important" that victims fully understood the sentence given by courts and how it would be supervised.

"The Probation Board's role is sometimes perceived as being exclusively offender-based but victims' interests have always been a central aspect of their work," he said.

Mr Hanson said victims would "receive information in a range of ways, including the support provided through face-to-face contact".

The scheme was developed in conjunction with the PSNI, Public Prosecution Service, Prison Service, Courts Service and Victim Support.

The Probation Board supervises about 2,700 new cases each year, including about 380 custody probation orders.

It will work with the Prisoner Release Victim Information Scheme to assist victims of offenders who have been freed from jail and are now under licensed supervision.


SEE ALSO:
Restorative justice in spotlight
28 Feb 05 |  Northern Ireland
NI criminal justice assessed
14 Jan 04 |  Northern Ireland
Prosecution service overhauled
12 Sep 03 |  Northern Ireland
Longer terms for sex offenders
28 Jul 03 |  Northern Ireland


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