Bill to introduce tougher release rules for sex offenders unanimously passed in Parliament

A Bill to introduce tougher release rules for sex offenders has unanimously been passed in Parliament.

The House went though a number of Bills, and voted on the Appropriation Bill, with the Opposition voting against the budget.

The Prison Amendment Act amends the Prison Act so that a prisoner serving more than 12 months for an offence on specified sexual offences will have to serve at least three-quarters of their sentence before becoming eligible for parole.  Presenting the Bill, Justice Minister Nigel Feetham said it was a firm but measured response.

It introduces restrictions on cautions when anyone over 18 admits to an offence. A caution will only be available in exceptional circumstances and with the consent of the Director of Public Prosecutions.

Bail after conviction would only be available when there’s no real prospect of jail time or where exceptional circumstances exist.  Putting one’s affairs in order would not fall under extraordinary circumstances.

The Act also raises the statutory ceiling for sentences from five to seven years.

Nigel Feetham said the amendment is targetted at child abuse and sexual offences, including the possession or distribution of indecent images of children.

Saying the Opposition would support the Bill, his Opposition counterpart, Joelle Ladislaus, said it was an issue that transcends party politics.  She advocated a further measure for Gibraltar to introduce its own sentencing guidelines.  In response the Justice Minister said he’s written to the Chief Justice requesting a review of sentencing guidelines in certain areas as this is his statutory power under applicable law.

Other Bills debated today included the Supreme Court Amendment Act which widens who can carry out Reserved legal activities.

The Legal Services Act aims to extend the provision of legal services provided by persons in the employment of the Government to include the provision of legal services to any statutory authority, any wholly owned Government company or corporation and the Gibraltar Savings Bank.

The Transport Amendment Act allows for the introduction of a 3rd registered owner for Taxi Road Service Licences.  Licences would be revoked if this is not adhered to.

And a fourth Bill amending the Crimes Act adds transgender identity to victims of hatred offences.  It includes the stirring up of hatred against transgender people.  The Act however, defines hatred offences so as not to suppress free speech.

Supporting the Bill, introduced by Equality Minister Christian Santos, Opposition member Atrish Sanchez  said MPs had a responsibility as legislators to support all vulnerable communities.

All these Bills were passed unanimously.