Sentencing toughened

JEALOUS ex-partners who kill or strangle their victims will receive tougher jail terms as part of what the Government said is its continued crackdown on violence against women.

The changes to sentencing considerations will ensure the punishment fits the crime in the "most abhorrent" cases, a minister said.

After an independent review into domestic homicide sentencing by barrister Clare Wade, the Government said it is implementing two new statutory aggravating factors, meaning judges must consider stronger sentences for murders involving strangulation or when the killing is connected to the end of a relationship.

The changes for England and Wales are expected to come into force next year.

The Law Commission has also been asked to review the overall sentencing framework for murder and the law of homicide.

This comes in response to issues raised by campaigners, including how diminished responsibility is considered and whether current sentencing rules properly reflect the seriousness of domestic murders.