Opposition to proposal to set cop killers and rapists free early

Gardaí and rape crisis centres have strongly objected to proposals from penal reformers to let garda killers and sex offenders leave jail temporarily or early.

The Irish Penal Reform Trust (IPRT) called on the Government to change the law to enable people guilty of capital murder — that of a garda, prison staff or politician — apply for temporary release from prison, like other inmates.

The lobby group also wants the Government to consider allowing these killers apply for parole — conditional full release — which other long-term inmates are legally entitled to after serving eight years.

In addition, the IPRT said early release schemes, which exchange part of a prison sentence for supervised community service, should extend to criminals currently excluded, including sex offenders.

The proposals are contained in a detailed report aimed at reforming how the prison system deals with temporary release, early release, parole and remission.

The Garda Representative Association, the force’s largest staff body, hit out at the plans. “Society expects gardaí to protect citizens from danger, and to form a barrier between wrongdoing and the public,” said GRA John Parker.

“Often this puts gardaí in extreme danger — the very least our members deserve is the full protection of the law. Gardaí need the justice system to provide effective deterrents from violent assaults and reckless behaviour. Too many of our members have been killed in the course of their duty; many by drivers of vehicles trying desperately to escape the law.

“The Garda Representative Association has always sought effective deterrents to ensure the safety of gardaí. Sending garda killers back onto the streets prematurely is not the solution that we want to hear from an overcrowded prison system.”

Rape Crisis Network Ireland said it was opposed to expanding early release schemes to sex offenders.

“RCNI believes the right decision was made to exempt sex offenders from the early release scheme,” said a spokeswoman.

“We believe sex offenders should serve their prison sentences and be subject to full risk assessment and post release supervision. We see no reasons compatible with justice and community safety that would change our minds.”

IPRT executive director Liam Herrick said their proposals aimed to create a more open and transparent system of release for all prisoners, in line with “principles of due process and fairness”.

“We also believe that a more structured and fair system will help identify an increased number of prisoners who can be safely released back into the community. Reform along the lines we propose will create a more incentive-driven system, reducing overcrowding while also improving community safety.”

* For full IPRT report see www.iprt.ie