Northern Ireland

Almost 60 convicted for stalking offences in first two years of new legislation

A report detailing the number of stalking incidents reported during the first two years of the Stalking Act was published on Friday

Justice Minister Naomi Long criticised the cost of a pilot programme to restrict the use of mobile phones in schools
Justice Minister Naomi Long (Liam McBurney/PA)

A total of 57 people have been convicted of stalking offences since new legislation was introduced to combat the offence in 2022.

A Department of Justice report detailing the number of stalking crime incidents reported to the PSNI during the first two years of the Stalking Act was published on Friday.

There were 299 stalking crimes reported to the PSNI during the last two years, the figures showed.

A total of 199 prosecutions have been brought forward against alleged perpetrators under the new legislation, which also includes the crime of ‘Threatening and Abusive Behaviour’.

Of those, 57 prosecutions have resulted in convictions. Those convicted under the legislation can face up to 10 years imprisonment for the offence.

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Justice Minister Naomi Long welcomed the report and the progress being made under the new legislation.



“I welcome the progress that has been made on the delivery of this legislation, which offers greater protection in our communities to anyone affected by stalking,” Minister Long said.

“I am grateful to our justice partners, who are playing their part in delivering meaningful change for victims and providing training for their organisations.”