The government plans to introduce minimum prison sentences for serious firearm and sexual offences as part of efforts to secure tougher penalties for repeat offenders.

Prime Minister Gaston Browne said the proposed changes will be taken to Parliament shortly, along with increases to the maximum sentences available for certain crimes.

“We’re going to increase the maximum terms, and we’re also going to introduce minimum penalties,” Browne said during the Browne and Browne Show.

The prime minister said the minimum sentences would primarily apply to gun crimes and sexual offences, particularly those involving children.

Browne said judges would retain some discretion when extenuating circumstances exist. However, they would be expected to justify any decision to impose a sentence below the established minimum.

The government has not yet decided what the minimum penalties will be. Browne suggested that the rape of a minor could carry a minimum sentence of 10 years but stressed that consultations have not yet taken place.

“We may decide your minimum should be 10 years,” he said. “Now, if a judge wants to give less than 10 years, they must justify it.”

Browne said the proposed measures would focus primarily on repeat offenders and people convicted of serious crimes, rather than first-time offenders who may have acted out of character.

The prime minister has repeatedly criticised what he considers lenient sentences for gun crimes and sexual offences. He argued that short prison terms return persistent offenders to the streets too quickly and undermine efforts to rehabilitate them.

Browne also called on the judiciary to review its sentencing guidelines to ensure they adequately reflect the seriousness of violent and sexual offences.

This article was originally published by Antigua News Room. Read the original article here: VIDEO: PM Browne Says Parliament Will Set Minimum Penalties for "heinous" Gun and Sexual Crimes.