Written question asked by A Cecil Walker (Ulster Unionist Party) on Wednesday, 26 November 1997, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 3 December 1997. It was answered by Lord Morris of Aberavon (Labour) on Wednesday, 3 December 1997 on behalf of the Attorney General.

Attorney General

Question: To ask Mr Attorney General, if he will refer the case of Mr Ian Magill, sentenced at Belfast Crown Court on 14th November, to the Court of Appeal on the grounds of undue leniency.

Answer: Mr. Walker: To ask the Attorney-General if he will refer the case of Mr. Ian Magill, sentenced at Belfast Crown Court on 14 November, to the Court of Appeal on the ground of undue leniency. [18503] The Attorney-General: The Criminal Justice Act 1988, which creates the power to refer a sentence I consider to be unduly lenient to the Court of Appeal, limits that power to sentences imposed for certain offences specified in the Act or in Orders made under it. My power does not extend to the offences for which Ian Patrick Magill was sentenced.

Secondary information