Domestic abusers who kill may face tougher sentences

A consultation on toughening sentencing for domestic abusers who kill their partners has been launched by the justice secretary today.

- MAIRA BUTT

The public conversation on reforming punishment for killers comes after a series of high-profile domestic murders and concerns from the domestic abuse commissioner about how these were handled by the justice system.

If a killer used a weapon at the scene, they could receive up to 10 years less time in prison than if they had carried one there.

However, campaigners say in the case of domestic abuse killings, these are usually found in the home.

Currently, when a knife or other weapon is carried to the murder scene with intent, the starting point is 25 years.

However, where it is already at the scene a reduced 15-year starting point normally applies.