Number serving life sentences trebles in decade

THE number of people serving life sentences has nearly trebled in the last 10 years.

Figures show that the average length of a life sentence, for those who are released, now stands at 16 to 17 years, compared with 12 years in 1994.

The figures were released yesterday by Justice Minister Dermot Ahern at the launch of the Parole Board Annual Report 2008.