Former Chief Magistrate Maureen Payne-Hyman is questioning whether offenders should automatically benefit from reduced sentences for pleading guilty, particularly in cases involving sexual offences against children.

Payne-Hyman raised the issue during a town hall meeting on Tuesday focused on addressing child abuse, arguing that admitting guilt should not necessarily entitle an offender to a lighter punishment.

“I don’t believe people should be given credit for a guilty plea. Because if you did it, you’re supposed to be punished,” she said.

Payne-Hyman suggested that some offenders have become aware of the sentencing benefit attached to an early guilty plea and may use it to secure a substantially shorter sentence.

“And the guys are getting smart. They realise if I say guilty, bam, one third is off,” she said.

Her comments come amid continued public discussion in Antigua and Barbuda about penalties for sexual offences against minors and whether the existing sentencing framework provides sufficient punishment and deterrence.

The former chief magistrate’s remarks add to calls for closer scrutiny of how sentencing reductions are applied in serious cases involving children.