Former Chief Magistrate Maureen Payne-Hyman has challenged the practice of reducing sentences for offenders who plead guilty, questioning whether such discounts are appropriate in serious cases involving sexual offences against children.

Speaking during a town hall meeting on child abuse Tuesday, Payne-Hyman argued that offenders should not necessarily receive a sentencing benefit simply because they admit to committing an offence.

“I don’t believe people should be given credit for a guilty plea. Because if you did it, you’re supposed to be punished,” she said.

Payne-Hyman also expressed concern that offenders may understand how the system works and use an early guilty plea to significantly reduce the punishment they ultimately receive.

“And the guys are getting smart. They realise if I say guilty, bam, one third is off,” she said.

Her remarks come amid ongoing debate in Antigua and Barbuda over sentencing for sexual offences against minors, including whether existing penalties provide adequate punishment and deterrence.

Payne-Hyman’s comments raise fresh questions about whether guilty-plea discounts should apply in the same way when courts are sentencing offenders for serious crimes against children.

This article was originally published by Antigua News Room. Read the original article here: Former Chief Magistrate Questions Guilty Plea Discounts for Child Sex Offenders.