District Judge Alana McSorley has instructed the Public Prosecution Service to investigate the preparation of two victim impact statements due to their marked similarities. The order came during a hearing at Strabane Magistrates Court last week.

Barrister Joe McCann pointed out the close resemblance between the statements to the court. He expressed doubts about their origins and noted he had contemplated checking them with an AI detection tool.

Victim impact statements detail the physical, emotional and financial effects of crimes on victims or their families. Courts use them at sentencing after guilty pleas or convictions.

Judge McSorley stated she held the same doubts as the barrister. She required clarity on any AI involvement or use of templates in their creation.

The judge stressed that such statements must convey authentic personal experiences. She questioned the suitability of standard formats.

The case has been postponed. It will resume at Strabane Magistrates Court on a future date.