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Eve Rosato & Elaine McGee reported on a powerful story of Donna Louise Todd, a mother, businesswoman, and online influencer. Donna became a victim of a violent man who strangled her and only received a suspended sentence. Angela believes that the leniency in sentencing for non-fatal strangulation is unjust, expressing that in her case, justice was not served adequately. She voiced her concerns, stating, “For victims to go to court and for an abuser to get just a suspended sentence, it’s unfair.”
The Lady Chief Justice addressed these concerns, acknowledging the perceived notion that a suspended sentence is a mere “let off.” She emphasized that it acts as a deterrent measure, with the threat of prison hanging over the offender if they commit another offense. Since 2020, 27 women have been violently killed in Northern Ireland. Non-fatal strangulation, which became a stand-alone crime in Northern Ireland in 2023, is viewed as a red flag for escalating violence in relationships and a predictor of future murder or attempted murder, second only to stabbing in the UK.
Donna Louise recounted her traumatic experience in a physically and emotionally abusive relationship that lasted only six months. She bravely decided to call the police, recognizing that “enough was enough,” in her own words. Despite preparing to give a witness testimony in court, her attacker changed his plea to guilty at the last minute and received a suspended sentence. Donna expressed her disappointment, questioning why the severity of the situation was not taken seriously. The Lady Chief Justice explained that the sentencing framework is based on legislation set by the Department of Justice, highlighting the deterrence of a suspended sentence for future offenses.
The Public Prosecution Service (PPS) handled prosecution decisions in 278 cases of non-fatal strangulation from April 2024 to March 2025. The majority of cases were processed through the magistrates’ court, which has lower sentencing powers. Over the past two years, the PSNI has charged over 600 individuals with this offense. Legal expert Dr. John Taggart from Queen’s University Belfast explained the complexities of sentencing in Northern Ireland, pointing out the discretion judges have in considering aggravating or mitigating factors. Dr. Taggart noted that most cases are tried in the magistrates’ court, leading to sentences that are generally lower compared to the crown court
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