HOME minister Geoff Mahy said yesterday that the department was committed to pursuing tough sentencing for those found guilty of possessing indecent images of children.

Opening debate on the department’s sexual offences report he told the Assembly that Home was supportive of legislation that permitted a sentencing regime that ‘appropriately reflected local values’.

A recent judgement by the Guernsey Court of Appeal, which saw Mark Gunter’s sentence for possessing indecent images reduced from 15 months to three, said it was time that the island formally adopted the sentencing guidelines used by England. Guernsey typically refers to the Oliver guidelines used in England but adds a level of deterrent on top.

Deputy Mahy (pictured) said the department had considered the wider implications of the decision. ‘Taking a mature approach, it has accepted that the right of appeal is a fundamental part of our justice process. That said, I would like to reassure you that the department is committed to pursuing a tough sentencing stance for such crimes.’

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