Shatter plans to extend rights for crime victims

JUDGES can be “oblivious” to the real impact of crime on the day-to-day lives of victims, Justice Minister Alan Shatter has said.

Announcing planned legislation for victims of crime, Mr Shatter said he was extending the legal entitlement for victims to give an impact statement to courts prior to sentencing to include burglary, theft, serious road traffic offences and anti-social behaviour.

He also said that a “scandalous” amount of money, so far amounting to €45 million, had been spent on Thornton Hall, before a single brick had been built.