Opposition to proposal to set cop killers and rapists free early

Gardaí and rape crisis centres have strongly objected to proposals from penal reformers to let garda killers and sex offenders leave jail temporarily or early.

The Irish Penal Reform Trust (IPRT) called on the Government to change the law to enable people guilty of capital murder — that of a garda, prison staff or politician — apply for temporary release from prison, like other inmates.

The lobby group also wants the Government to consider allowing these killers apply for parole — conditional full release — which other long-term inmates are legally entitled to after serving eight years.