The Northern Ireland Assembly's committee for justice has opened a call for evidence on the Criminal Justice (Sentencing etc) Bill. Paul Frew MLA, the committee chairperson, invited responses from victims, practitioners, the public and community organisations.

The bill updates the sentencing framework with measures to review unduly lenient sentences. It introduces a new offence for assaults on public workers and increases penalties for causing death or serious injury by driving.

Charlotte's Law forms part of the bill. It requires courts to consider an offender's failure to reveal a victim's remains during sentencing.

New aggravating factors target offences against protected groups and vulnerable individuals. The bill also includes technical amendments to modernise sentencing policy.

Submissions must arrive by 8 May. Respondents can use the online form or email [email protected]. Postal submissions go to the Committee Clerk at Room 345, Parliament Buildings, Belfast, BT4 3XX.