The Rap-Sheet and it`s Length

AlekSmart

I`ve no link for this report but it`s from the Metro Herald (14/05).

It a small report of a case before Judge Martin Nolan in the Circuit Criminal Court.

The case involved a victim who suffered a skin abrasion during a robbery in the City.
The unfortunate victim had to endure a six-month wait for AIDs and Hepatitis test clearance after the robbery perpretated by the defendant.

The interesting thing for me was the convicted attacker,a gentleman of 37 years had 127 Previous Convictions.

Judge Martin adjurned sentencing until next month to allow the attacker to complete a Drug Rehabilitation Programme.

127 previous convictions......127......At what point does a learned Judge,or for that matter anybody connected with the Law even begin to enquire as to the entire point of their chosen line of work.....127Previous Convictions and counting ,My head hurts !!!

Hooch

AlekSmart wrote: »

I`ve no link for this report but it`s from the Metro Herald (14/05).

It a small report of a case before Judge Martin Nolan in the Circuit Criminal Court.

The case involved a victim who suffered a skin abrasion during a robbery in the City.
The unfortunate victim had to endure a six-month wait for AIDs and Hepatitis test clearance after the robbery perpretated by the defendant.

The interesting thing for me was the convicted attacker,a gentleman of 37 years had 127 Previous Convictions.

Judge Martin adjurned sentencing until next month to allow the attacker to complete a Drug Rehabilitation Programme.

127 previous convictions......127......At what point does a learned Judge,or for that matter anybody connected with the Law even begin to enquire as to the entire point of their chosen line of work.....127Previous Convictions and counting ,My head hurts !!!

I dont think this will suprise anyone here.....we encounter people with a hell of a lot more convictions than 127.....and still judges are slow to impose any real sentences.

AlekSmart

True NGA,but it`s not even the surprise factor anymore.

What the entire thing underlines is the acceptance level in todays society of non-conformist criminal types such as this lad might represent.

Its 127 Convictions...not allegations or outstanding cases.

What can be done.....?

Hooch

AlekSmart wrote: »

True NGA,but it`s not even the surprise factor anymore.

What the entire thing underlines is the acceptance level in todays society of non-conformist criminal types such as this lad might represent.

Its 127 Convictions...not allegations or outstanding cases.

What can be done.....?

Honestly......nothing.

The Judges wont change anytime soon.....and thoose who do give higher sentences are seen as "mad".

Were stuck in a rut

MagicSean

Even if the judges do give heftier sentences there is no room in prison for these people. They will just get out on TR anyway.

censuspro

nice guy always wrote: »

Honestly......nothing.

The Judges wont change anytime soon.....and thoose who do give higher sentences are seen as "mad".

Were stuck in a rut

There is quite a lot we could do and the first place to start would be introducing some form of mandatory sentencing which would resolve this problem instantly. However, you will find that most legal types are against mandatory sentencing which has even been illustrated on this thread where I put up a poll asking if posters were for or against mandatory sentencing. There was very little participation (which is also a reflection on people entering the legal profession if they cannot or are uninterested in engaging in some real debate) but the result was 65 percent against.

As the OP outlined, in this particular scenario a 37yo male with 127 previous convictions (those are the times he was caught) has proved that he cannot function in Irish society. But if we try and impose mandatory sentencing Judges will be against it because they argue that they should be able to use their discretion which ultimately means they have less power, which in effect means less status. You will also have the legal profession against it because of legal defense work they get and you will also have your general bleeding heart types.

If prisons are overcrowded, we simply build new ones. These are issues that can be easily resolved but people make them complicated.

Our man in Havana

If prisons are overcrowded, we simply build new ones.

The government don't have the dosh to do that. They are too busy bailing out failed banks.

Jo King

There is no sentence imposed yet. It is quite easy to notch up score of convictions. Some incidents with cars will produce 8 or 9 on their own. careless driving, no licence, insurance, Nct failure to produce etc. etc. Throw in a few failures to appear abd you can have a dozen convictions. Most drug addicts accumulate massive numbers of convictions. Criminal damage, theft, possession and dealing go hand in hand. Unless drug addicts are cured or locked up for life it will always be so.

Victor

censuspro wrote: »

However, you will find that most legal types are against mandatory sentencing which has even been illustrated on this thread where I put up a poll asking if posters were for or against mandatory sentencing. There was very little participation (which is also a reflection on people entering the legal profession if they cannot or are uninterested in engaging in some real debate) but the result was 65 percent against.

People don't like polls with only two options. You are telling them what answers you will accept, you are now asking their opinion.

I didn't see the poll at the time.

IANAL.