Outrage as man jailed for not paying dog licence

JUSTICE Minister Michael McDowell yesterday promised to end sending people to prison for non-payment of fines as it emerged it cost €2,000 to keep an unemployed man behind bars after he failed to pay for his €12 dog licence.

The jailing of 40-year-old David Gartlan has been branded ‘outrageous’ by his family, opposition politicians and prison reformers.

Mr Gartlan spent 10 days in jail for failing to pay a €250 fine imposed after he was taken before a court over the dog disc. He did not turn up in court, a warrant for his arrest was issued and executed.