Calls for CAB to analyse finances of Limerick people who are 'living beyond their means'
A LIMERICK politician has called for the Criminal Assets Bureau (CAB) to take a stand against "career criminals" who are "living way beyond their means" within the city.
Speaking at a meeting of the Limerick Joint Policing Committee, Cllr Tom Collopy (SF) said that residents living in King's Island have lost all confidence in the criminal justice system.
He said: "I sit on six or seven localised organisations. There is a perception by law-abiding citizens that there is a revolving door court system that looks after career criminals."
Cllr Collopy stressed that some of these people have between 40 to 50 convictions and that his constituents are seriously questioning sentencing policies.
He alluded to local discussions on two "very high-profile" crimes where questions were asked of why mitigating circumstances are leading to reduced sentences in serious crimes.
He stated: "Some of these people have never worked a day in their life and they are going around in high-end cars. They are living in these estates. You can actually pick out their houses."
It's a crying shame that law-abiding citizens are putting their eyes up to heaven in resignation, Cllr Collopy added.
Maurice Quinlivan TD echoed his party colleague's sentiments and asked senior gardaí to bring in CAB to investigate how these individuals amassed their wealth.
"A lot of kids are becoming drug movers in these areas and are moving them very young. They are seeing it as a good lifestyle, seeing the main dealers with flashy cars and on a lot of holidays," Deputy Quinlivan stated.
He added that one Christmas a woman rang him up when her neighbour was being raided. She said it was like a "gift from god" as "some of these people think they are untouchable."
In response, Superintendent Aileen Magner said that drugs have been in these communities for close to 40 years.
"We will still be talking about it in 40 years. Life has changed and we have to deal with the cards we are dealt with. There must be a multi-agency approach to this," she said.