O'Farrell To Consider Mandatory Minimum Sentences for One-Punch Offenders
Tuesday 21 January 2014 @ 8.43 a.m. | Crime
Another late-night brawl in inner Sydney has left three people unconscious and two in hospital.
Now, Premier Barry O'Farrell is said to be considering mandatory minimum sentences for one-punch offenders - but pub lockouts remain "off the table."
Cabinet met on Monday (20 January 2014) to determine how to tackle the problem of alcohol-fuelled violence.
A senior government source confirmed a mandatory minimum penalty of eight years in jail and a maximum sentence of 25 years would apply to one-punch assaults resulting in death and involving drugs or alcohol.
Cabinet is understood to be cautious about introducing tougher sentencing, due to the huge financial cost of keeping offenders in jail.
Police Minister Michael Gallacher has spoken in favour of minimum sentences, but the Premier has been resistant, as they have not proved effective in other jurisdictions.
The agreed measures will only be introduced into parliament at the earliest on February 25.
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