The Department of Justice is consulting on proposed reforms to the use of good character references at sentencing in criminal proceedings. The law currently requires a court when determining a person’s sentence for a criminal offence, to consider mitigating factors, which can include evidence of the accused’s good character. This can take the form of a character reference provided by an employer, family member or community figure. Whilst this evidence can lead to a reduction in sentence, it is not guaranteed, and any weight assigned to the good character of the defendant at sentencing will be dependent on the facts of the case and the seriousness of the offence.
There are growing concerns about the appropriateness of good character references at sentencing, particularly for sexual offences and that is why the Department are now consulting on this issue.
The deadline for responses to this consultation is 3rd December 2026 and the consultation is available to read here:
