Longford judges face pressure over court sentencing
Department of Justice chiefs have said they want people to “feel safe and be safe” when coming into Longford after criticism was aimed at how a mounting number of suspended sentences are being “doled out” by local judges.
That reproach, as revealed online by the Leader last Friday, was aired by Fianna Fáil Cllr Seamus Butler who launched a stinging attack on the length and types of sentences which have been recorded locally in relation to serious crime over the past number of months.
Cllr Seamus Butler, who occupies the role of vice chairperson on Longford's Local Community Safety Partnership said the current trend of sentencing practices was only serving to further undermine both the public's and Gardaí's confidence in the judiciary.
"I have grave concerns regarding sentencing practice in both the Longford District and Circuit Courts," he said.
"I have the greatest respect for the independence of our judiciary as a cornerstone of our Democracy as a Republic.
"However, the Judges must be aware of the reputational damage inflicted on Longford by frequent public violent incidents.
"The doling out of suspended sentences and fines to repeat offenders dismays the general public, does not deter further offending and surely saps Garda morale.
"This is especially so when members of the force are assaulted. Surely cases such as these warrant custodial sentences."
Longford Superintendent Seamus Boyle, when asked to respond to Cllr Butler's remarks, said he was not in a position to comment on the ways in which sentences are passed down.
Cllr Butler, meanwhile, asked senior members of the judiciary at local level to "reflect" on those concerns in order to break "the endemic cycle of violence that is plaguing Longford."
In response, the Department of Justice said it was acutely aware of the impact crime and anti-social behaviour can have on communities like Longford, but said sentencing powers remained the sole preserve of the country’s independent judicial system.
“A cornerstone of our justice system is that judges have the discretion to choose sentences which are fair, proportionate and that reflect the circumstances of the particular case,” read a statement.
The Department of Justice also said it remained committed to upholding the safety of Longford’s wider public, adding the initiation of the county’s community safety partnership remained a key element in achieving that aim.
“We want people to feel safe and be safe, whether they live or work in Longford or want to visit and enjoy the town. The Government has invested significantly in the Local Community Safety Partnership pilot in Longford and hopes it will be a model that can be usefully rolled out nationwide,” added the statement.
“The (Justice) Minister is committed to ensuring An Garda Síochána have the supports and resources required to do its work.
“Funding provided this year will allow for the recruitment of up to 1,000 new Garda members and 400 new Garda staff to ensure a high visibility policing service around the country.”
In a further measure, the Department of Justice said legislation towards allowing rank and file gardaí carry body cameras in order to strengthen the force’s hand in investigating cases while also protecting gardaí in the course of their duties, was being prioritised.