Jersey crime law update will 'enhance' public safety in Jersey

The law was unanimously approved by the States Assembly on Wednesday

A new law that aims to help tackle issues of public safety has been unanimously approved by the Jersey States Assembly.

The law will make it illegal to threaten to kill, rape or cause serious injury to someone.

It will also ban carrying a knife in a public place or on school premises, without a reasonable excuse.

The Minister for Justice and Home Affairs Mary Le Hegarat said the law would "enhance" public safety.

She said having specific offences for threats would allow the police to take proactive action when threats were reported.

Deputy Le Hegarat said: "Taking threats seriously and addressing them quickly can disrupt any potential escalation of violence and protect potential victims."

She said making it an offence to have a knife on school premises was "for the protection of children, young people and those that work within schools".

The law also introduced new offences for riots, updating legislation that has been in place since 1797.

The approved law will be passed to Jersey's law office and then to the lieutenant governor before being sent for approval by the Privy Council.

It will then come into effect seven days after it is registered with the Royal Court.

This process can take between three months and a year.