The government will publish a new criminal justice bill next week setting out its plan to end 50% remission for offenders in Northern Ireland. The scheme was reviewed after the murder of the Strabane pensioner Attracta Harron who was killed by a man released early.
Justice Minister Paul Goggins said he is confident courts will use the new sentencing structure being proposed.
He said judges could deal "more appropriately" with certain offenders.
"It is for judges to determine whether or not a particular crime deserves a particular punishment," Mr Goggons said.
"But I do have that confidence that the judiciary in Northern Ireland will use these sentences and will be pleased that they have a wider range of powers now and can deal more appropriately, particularly with the more dangerous offender."
There was also controversy earlier this year when a man who raped a 91-year-old woman in 1999 was released after serving less than half his 16-year sentence.
Eamon Foley from Castlederg was found guilty of raping Mary Anne McLoughlin.
He was rearrested on the same day he was released for failing to provide an approved address, a condition of his release.
Mary Anne McLoughlin died a month after being attacked.
While in jail, the 47-year-old refused to take any sex offenders courses and an assessment panel termed him a high risk offender who presents a danger to any female - child or adult.
Attracta Harron was murdered by Trevor Hamilton from Sion Mills in 2003, less than four months after he had completed a sentence for rape.
Add comment