Opposition says crime is out of control

THE criminal justice system is struggling to cope with spiralling levels of violence, despite a 50% increase in the amount spent on fighting crime, an opposition spokesperson said last night.

"It's become so bad now that we are looking at a complete breakdown of the criminal justice system. The guards are completely under resourced and their morale is very low," said Fine Gael's justice spokesperson John Deasy.

Figures released yesterday show over 3,000 people sought help from Victim Support after violent attacks in the first six months of this year. The figures also show over 100 people a month are seeking help after suffering violent attacks.