Criticism on unpaid Court Fines - Hermon
Ulster Unionist MP, Lady Hermon, has strongly criticised the substantial unpaid sums of fines, costs and compensation in Northern Ireland’s criminal courts. Speaking from Westminster, she said:
“The figures disclosed by the Government in response to my Parliamentary Questions raise very serious concerns. There are substantial sums outstanding in court fines, court costs and direct compensation to victims. The sums owed in Magistrates Courts are huge and, unlike those owed in Crown Court cases, they are on the rise.
Even though nearly a third of the sums owed in Magistrates Courts are “cleared otherwise than by payment” and nearly half of those from the Crown Court are being dealt with in the same way, there still remain substantial amounts outstanding.
So, what’s the point of imposing fines if they are not going to be paid? A fine is supposed to be a punishment, not a threat. These figures will in no way reassure the public that those who break the law and are prosecuted will think twice before breaking it law again.”