Publication date:
The Director of Public Prosecutions Stephen Herron, said: “We in the PPS strongly condemn the recent violent disorder, which is having a devastating impact on people and communities.
“As police investigations continue, we are engaging closely with the Police Service of Northern Ireland in relation to these cases. Due to the ongoing nature of the disorder, a team of prosecutors has been formed to provide prosecutorial advice to police and to support them in building cases that can be directed upon and dealt with in the Courts as quickly as possible. Any potential hate crime offences will be prosecuted in line with the PPS Hate Crime Policy.
“We can assure the public that where cases meet our Test for Prosecution, they will be robustly prosecuted at their height using offences that provide the Courts with the ability to impose strong deterrent sentences on those who are convicted.”
Guidance:
You can read more about how the PPS handles cases aggravated by hostility, and the PPS Hate Crime policy, on our website.