GRA demands 12-year sentence for ‘gratuitous assaults’

PRISON sentences of 12 years should be handed out to those convicted of “gratuitous assaults” on gardaí, according to the organisation which represents 11,600 frontline members of the force.

Garda Representative Association (GRA) president elect, Garda Damien McCarthy, told delegates at their annual conference in Limerick yesterday that on average two members of the force are attacked every day while carrying out their duty. He said existing legislation only allowed the courts to impose sentences of five years and that wasn’t acting as a proper deterrent.

“This isn’t sufficient anymore. The job is more difficult and dangerous than ever. For a gratuitous assault it should be 12 years. This would send out a clear message,” Gda McCarthy said.