Liz Jarvis

Liz Jarvis

Liberal Democrat — Eastleigh

Speaking in the House of Commons on 17 March 2026

Debate

Victims: Court Experience

Contribution

My constituent was appalled that character references were read out during the sentencing of a man found guilty of attempting to engage in sexual communication with a child. The Minister will be aware that Queensland, in Australia, introduced reforms last year to restrict the use of character references in the sentencing of sex offenders. Does the Minister agree that all victims should be at the heart of sentencing, and will she review the admissibility and weight of character references in sexual offence cases?

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