New law could stop killers' parental rights in NI

People convicted of killing a person with whom they share a child could be automatically stripped of their parental responsibility under potential new legislation.

The proposed changes to family law are being considered in a public consultation, which was launched on Tuesday.

The consultation will also explore whether offenders of other serious crimes could have their rights to their children restricted.

In September, BBC News NI reported calls for legislative change from a woman who was fighting to stop her sex offender ex-husband having contact with their child.

She said the launch of the consultation gave her "hope" that those left dealing with the trauma of another person's offending were "finally being listened to".

The reforms are being led by the Department of Finance, which has responsibility for family law.

The minister, John O'Dowd, said "the safety, welfare and wellbeing of children are among the most fundamental responsibilities of government".

He said there had been a number of "highly distressing" homicide cases in Northern Ireland in recent years, with "several directly impacting children through devastating exposure to violence, trauma and bereavement".

"Decisions concerning parental responsibility and child arrangements are currently dealt with on a case-by-case basis by the Family Court, often requiring bereaved family members and carers to navigate legal processes at a time of profound grief.

"I want to see legislative reform that places children's welfare and victims' rights at its heart, while easing the burden on families."

Legislation in England and Wales known as Jade's Law has been passed, although is not yet in force.

When implemented, it would enable courts to suspend the parental responsibility of a parent convicted of the murder or voluntary manslaughter of a partner or ex-partner with whom they share a child.

The law is named after Jade Ward, who was 27 when she was murdered by ex-partner Russell Marsh in 2021.

O'Dowd told BBC NI that since he first announced potential similar reforms in Northern Ireland around murder and manslaughter, he had been contacted by a number of individuals and advocates concerning other serious crimes.

He said he therefore took the decision to broaden the scope of the consultation.

That would include looking at other serious offending, such as child-related sex offences like grooming and possession of indecent images.