Victims’ groups seek minimum tariffs for all homicides

The average prison term served by life-sentenced prisoners increased by more than 22% in the space of two years, according to the Department of Justice.

Nonetheless, victims’ campaigners still believe that minimum tariffs should be brought in for all homicide cases and that whole life sentences should be brought in where appropriate.

Between 2010 and 2012, 15 life-sentenced prisoners were released. That breaks down into six in 2010, five in 2011, and four in 2012.

According to the department, the average time served by the prisoners released in 2010 was 18 years and three months. That rose to 20 years for those released in 2011 and 22 years for those released in 2012.

Justice Minister Alan Shatter said it was important to note that a life sentence is indeterminate and there is no guaranteed release date.

“All prisoners who are serving life imprisonment are eligible to have their cases reviewed by the Parole Board once they have served seven years in custody.”

“The board makes recommendations to the minister in relation to the management of offenders serving long sentences. While it is open to the Parole Board to make any recommendation, the experience with the Parole Board is that life-sentenced prisoners are normally reviewed on a number of occasions over a number of years before any substantial concessions are recommended.”

The figures released by Mr Shatter’s department also showed that, in each of the years looked at, one prisoner was recalled to prison.

Mr Shatter explained that those released into the community continue to serve their sentences, subject to conditions, while on release.

John O’Keeffe, special adviser to victims group AdVIC, said minimum tariffs should be brought in for all homicide cases.

Calling for whole life orders in some cases, he added: “More importantly, we also believe that consecutive sentences should also be introduced for all homicide and violent assault offences.”