Call to jail silent gangland witnesses

WITNESSES to gangland crimes should be compelled to give evidence in court and prosecuted if they refuse, one of the country's State solicitors has claimed.

Michael Murray said he was willing to send reluctant witnesses to jail for failing to cooperate rather than risk letting violent criminals off the hook.

"Where people see crime they have a duty and an obligation to give evidence. Where they shy away from that then the State has to take steps to compel them."