Maximum sentences for knife-crimes increased as criminals possessing blades face seven years in jail

From today, three knife-related crimes will carry an increased maximum sentence from five to seven years.

Criminals can now face up to seven years in prison for intending to cause harm with a knife, as maximum sentences for weapon crimes have increased.

From today, three knife-related crimes will carry an increased maximum sentence from five to seven years. These include crimes of possessing a weapon in a public place with the intent to cause harm, trespassing on a property with a weapon that has a blade or sharp point, and producing a weapon that is capable of inflicting serious injury.

The maximum sentence for manufacturing, importing, selling, hiring or loaning a prescribed offensive weapon has also increased. Criminals charged with this sentence can now face up to 10 years in prison, a three-year increase. These sentences come into effect from today, Justice Minister Helen McEntee has announced.

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The minister has signed a Commencement Order under the Courts, Civil Law, Criminal Law and Superannuation (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2024 to increase the maximum sentences for these four knife-related offences. Minister McEntee said knife crimes have “far-reaching and devastating consequences”.

She added: “These amendments represent a necessary strengthening and rebalancing of the penalties for knife crime under the Firearms and Offensive Weapons Act 1990. The increased penalties show that this Government is serious about tackling not only the possession of knives but also carrying or producing a knife or other article to threaten, intimidate or cause injury.

“These amendments reflect the true gravity of the offences in question and will ensure that, in the most serious cases, the courts can impose a sanction that fully matches the crime.”

These changes come following recommendations from the knife crime sub-group of the Expert Forum on Anti-Social Behaviour. Junior Minister at the Department of Justice James Browne chairs the group.

He said the number of “extremely serious” knife attacks in recent years has caused valid concern from the public. Minister Browne added: “The Government has listened to the public’s concerns and these changes in the law are aimed at ensuring that offenders are appropriately punished and that the use of knives in crime is reduced.

“The offences in question involve a clear and significant degree of criminal intent. They represent a significant threat to community safety, both in their own right and because they can be precursors to serious and sometimes fatal assaults. These increases in the maximum sentences will send the message that the offences in question are wholly unacceptable behaviour in our society.”

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