Question
Can the PSNI confirm how many proactive requests have been made to
meet with representatives in:
(i) Dunloy,
(ii) Rasharkin,
(iii) Portrush, and
(iv) the wider Causeway Coast and Glens area in response to reported
sectarian hate crime?
Answer
i) Dunloy – 0 meetings noted in relation to Sectarian Hate Crime
ii) Rasharkin – 3
iii) Portrush – 0 meetings noted in relation to Sectarian Hate Crime
iv) Wider Causeway Coast and Glens - 0 meetings noted in relation to Sectarian Hate Crime
Please note, the above constitutes the number of pre-arranged meetings specifically in relation to sectarian hate crimes. A number of our engagements will involve phone calls and more informal discussions with community representatives in relation to parades which will be driven by previous issues with specific parades due to the sensitive nature and potential for sectarian tensions to intensify if not planned with care and consideration.
Any Police response to hate crime will involve consideration regarding community impact. Community Impact Assessments are regularly completed to get an understanding of potential community tension and the impact on all persons involved victim, wider community. A significant element of this requires engagement with community representatives, businesses, organisers of events, elected
representatives and individuals where relevant. The number of specific requests is difficult to quantify as this may be community meetings to address concerns, 1:1 phone calls, and meetings in person. We continually engage with statutory, non-statutory partners and all our elected and community representatives.
2. Investigations
Of the sectarian hate crimes reported in each area, how many have
resulted in a formal investigation being opened?
October 2023 – September 2025 –A total of 65 reports of sectarian hate crime were reported and an investigation was commenced in each case.
(NISRA Stats)
What is the average length of time taken to progress sectarian hate
crime investigations to a decision point?
35 days
NB This information is not collated through our standard statistical systems. To provide an average we manually reviewed and calculated the start and end dates for all 65 incidents and averaged these, therefore there may be minor discrepancies within the dataset.
3. Prosecution Process
How many cases have been forwarded to the Public Prosecution Service
(PPS) for consideration?
10 cases were submitted to the PPS.
How many of those referrals resulted in prosecutions being initiated?
All 10 were progressed / 5 charged to court / 5 summons issued.
What were the reasons provided by the PPS for cases not proceeding to prosecution?
All the cases submitted to the PPS for prosecution were approved by the PPS and proceeded to Court.
4. Outcomes
How many prosecutions for sectarian hate crimes in these areas
resulted in convictions?
All prosecutions resulted in convictions
What types of sentences or disposals were imposed for these?
Suspended sentences and Monetary Penalties
How many cases were resolved through alternatives to prosecution?
Two CRN’s were issued. One was a neighbourly dispute and the other was a criminal damage case where the perpetrator was a young person.
CRN’s are victim focused and are always progressed with the consent of the victim.
Cheryl Brownlee - DUP