Minister confirms stiffer sentences for serious knife crimes

Minister for Justice Helen McEntee (right) with Minister of State James Browne speaking after bringing recommendations to increase penalties for knife crime to Cabinet on Tuesday. Ms McEntee also outlined a number of changes to strengthen the use of ASBOs (anti-social behaviour orders). Photo: Eamonn Farrell/© RollingNews.ie

Possessing a knife in public, trespassing with a knife or using a knife to intimidate will all carry harsher penalties, the Justice Minister has announced.

Helen McEntee has today secured Cabinet approval to amend legislation to increase sentences for a number of knife-related crimes. The planned new sentences will also include stiffer penalties for importing knives.