Justice Act (Northern Ireland) 2015 Explanatory Notes

Section 60: Variation, renewal or discharge of violent offences prevention orders

This section allows a person who is the subject of a VOPO, or the Chief Constable, to apply to the court for the VOPO to be varied, discharged, or renewed.

A VOPO may not be discharged before the end of the period of two years, beginning with the date on which it comes into force, unless consent to its discharge is given by the person to whom it relates, and the Chief Constable.  A renewal order would be subject to a five year maximum limit.  The variation of an order can impose additional prohibitions or requirements on the person.

A renewal or variation of an order can only be made if the court considers that it is necessary to do so for the purpose of protecting the public from the risk of serious violent harm caused by the person, and can only contain such prohibitions or requirements, as the court considers is necessary.

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