UNDER new Government plans, the law will be changed so a history of coercive or controlling behaviour against a victim or the use of excessive or gratuitous violence are made aggravating factors in sentencing decisions for murder.
It means violent and controlling criminals will face more time behind bars, as judges must consider longer jail terms for their abuse and aggression.
The changes follow recommendations made by Clare Wade KC in an independent review into domestic homicide sentencing, which the government will respond to in full in the summer.
Her review found the current sentencing framework does not adequately reflect that many domestic homicides are preceded by years of abuse.
MP for Redditch, Rachel Maclean has been campaigning for tougher sentences for domestic abusers who kill their partners or ex-partners.
Earlier this year she held a debate in Parliament where she called on the Government to introduce tougher punishments.
It followed a meeting Mrs Maclean had with campaigners Julie Devey and Carole Gould whose daughters were murdered by their violent and abusive ex-partners.
She said: “I’m very pleased the Government has listened to the campaign. I warmly welcome this progress which is a real change and will mean justice is done in more cases.
“These tougher sentences will ensure violent criminals face the full force of the law and victims are protected.
“As a Government we are committed to tackling violence against women and girls and cracking down on the awful crime of domestic abuse.”
