Longford judges slammed over 'doling out' of suspended sentences in local courts
A senior figure from a leading agency set up to combat crime and anti social behaviour has told of the "grave concerns" he harbours over the repeated "doling out" of suspended sentences at local district and circuit court level.
Cllr Seamus Butler, who occupies the role of vice chaiperson on Longford's Local Community Safety Partnership, 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.
The Fianna Fáil local politician and former chairperson of Longford's now defunct Joint Policing Committee (JPC) 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."
The Leader has reached out to the Department of Justice and is currently awaiting a response.