Courts Service Sees Increase in Sexual Offences Cases

The Courts Service saw an increase in new sexual offences, public order, and assault cases last year. Cases of larceny, robbery, and fraud also rose by 15.3%. The 2024 annual report presented to Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan revealed these figures.

Road traffic offences increased by 8.6% in 2024 compared to 2023, showing an 18% reduction over six years. Public order and assault cases rose by 9.6%, while new sexual offences increased by 13.67%. Applications for supervision and care orders for children saw a 45% increase over two years.

The report mentioned that 62% of the 434 sentences for rape ranged from 10 years to life imprisonment. Drug cases in district courts decreased by 16.5% over six years. A total of 390,158 new criminal matters were brought to court last year, a 6.3% increase from 2023. 356,045 cases were finalized, up by 5.2% year-on-year.

More serious crimes increased from 19,569 offences in 2023 to 22,822 in 2024. Less serious cases at district court level increased by 6.5% to 350,852. The district court received 25,270 new applications for protections under domestic violence legislation, similar to 2023.

A new Planning and Environment Court division of the High Court was launched in December 2023, completing its first full year in 2024. This court handles commercial planning and strategic infrastructure cases, replacing those previously sent to the Strategic Infrastructure list.

Courts Service chief executive Angela Denning highlighted challenges posed by new legislation, affecting the system, staff, judiciary, and legal practitioners. The report also noted the introduction of Civil Orders against Relevant Conduct in September 2024.

In the first four months, district courts received 314 applications for restraining orders, granting 133 full orders and 107 interim orders. Ms Justice Elizabeth Dunne, chairwoman of the Courts Service board, emphasized the courts' busy nature and their reflection of societal issues.

There were 12,989 new personal injury cases in 2024, down from 13,434 in 2023. The total amount awarded for personal injury cases reduced by over 45% compared to the previous year.

According to the source: BreakingNews.ie.