Department criticises judges over sentencing
The Department of Justice has criticised the judiciary, saying some judges are too reluctant to impose prison terms for some serious offences such as manslaughter, rape, aggravated robbery and burglary.
The Department’s remarks are contained in a submission to the Law Reform Commission (LRC) on the use of suspended sentences instead of prison for some crimes.
In serious cases, judges are sometimes too reluctant to impose custodial sentences, the Department said. It suggested that the majority of these case should attract a prison sentence, particularly for repeat offenders. In the case of repeat offenders, the Department has suggested that the main aim should “perhaps” be imprisonment to protect the public interest
It is rare for the Department of Justice to be seen to criticise judicial practice.
The LRC is due to present a report on the subject of suspended sentences.