Ad hoc rules need reform

Discrepancies in the lengths of sentences judges hand down have been decried by many, and lead to a lack of faith in the justice system, writes Michael Clifford

NOTHING about crime raises heckles as much as sentencing. The length of prison terms frequently elicits rage from the public. Tabloid headlines scream out about leniency for criminals which rob the system of a deterrent. More sober reflection also questions consistency of sentencing.

Two recent cases illustrate the point. Last month, businessman Anthony Lyons received a six-year sentence, of which five-and-a-half years were suspended, for the sexual assault of a young woman in Dublin. The sentence was greeted with outrage in many quarters, and is being appealed by the DPP.