Former judge 'greatly disappointed' by hate crime law delay

Desmond Marrinan conducted an independent review of hate crime legislation in 2020

A former judge has said he is "greatly disappointed" at the time it has taken to bring forward new legislation to tackle Northern Ireland's hate crime problem.

Desmond Marrinan recommended toughening the law in a report five years ago.

Since then, the number of racially-motivated attacks has risen to a record level, according to police figures.

Justice Minister Naomi Long is to bring forward legislation on some of what he proposed in the coming weeks.

Justice minister Naomi Long is to bring forward legislation in coming weeks

Long said the legislation covers Mr Marrinan's "most impactful" suggestions.

These include enhanced sentences where a hate motivation to offending is proven.

Another of Judge Marrinan's recommendations was that Northern Ireland should treat all crimes with an age- or gender-based motive as hate crimes, including those against transgender people.

Mr Marrinan said he was "shocked and horrified" by recent events, which have included rioting linked to immigration protests and street gangs confronting people from ethnic minority backgrounds.

He added he is not surprised, given trends which existed when he conducted an independent review of hate crime legislation in 2020.

The work was on behalf of the Department of Justice (DoJ).

In total he made 34 recommendations.

'Better late than never'

Enacting legislative change was disrupted by the collapse of Stormont between 2022 to 2024.

Mr Marrinan told BBC News NI: "I am greatly disappointed at the time it has taken.

"To be fair to the department and to the minister, Stormont was down for two years and it also takes about two years to go through consultations and instruct legislative counsel," he said.

He said he was glad that some proposals being brought forward.

He described Stormont's action as "better late than never".

"It will send a powerful message. I am certain it will have a profound impact," added Mr Marrinan.

"Hopefully, together with education, which is another important element, it will help turn the tide against this wave of hate crime."