Proposal to increase the existing maximum sentences for the offence of causing or allowing a child or vulnerable adult to die or suffer serious physical harm

The Department of Justice is proposing to increase the maximum statutory custodial sentences for the offence of “causing or allowing a child or vulnerable adult to die or suffer serious physical harm,”:

1. in respect of “causing or allowing a child or vulnerable adult to die”, we propose that the maximum sentence should be increased from the current 14 years maximum to life imprisonment. This would give the courts the powers to impose a minimum custodial period before a person would be eligible for consideration for release from prison. When the person was released, they would be on licence for the remainder of their life; and
2. in respect of “causing or allowing a child or vulnerable adult to suffer serious physical harm” we propose that the maximum sentence should be increased from the current 10 years maximum to 14 years.