McDowell critical of drugs sentencing

JUDGES will have to take into account the effect of drug pushing on society when considering whether to apply the mandatory minimum sentence for drug dealing, it emerged yesterday.

Justice Minister Michael McDowell said there was a “misunderstanding” among members of the judiciary who were not handing down the mandatory minimum 10-year sentence for possession of drugs over €13,000.

But leading criminal barrister Michael O’Higgins said the judiciary was implementing the law, which, he said, directed them not to apply the 10-year sentence in certain circumstances.