To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many incidents of homophobic crime were recorded in each Police Service of Northern Ireland district command unit area in each of the last 12 months; how many successful prosecutions were brought against those responsible; and what sentence was imposed in each case.

Recording of incidents of homophobic crime is a matter for the Chief Constable. I have asked him to reply directly to the hon. Member and a copy of his letter will be placed in the Library of the House and the Official Report.

The information sought on prosecutions and sentences is not available. Prosecution and conviction would be for the simple offence (e.g. assault) without reference to any homophobic motivation. Court data do not contain background information in relation to offences committed, and it is therefore not possible to separate out the number of successful prosecutions and the corresponding sentence imposed for offences with a homophobic motivation.