Victims’ groups hope judges will heed DPP call

Groups representing victims of crime say they hope the DPP's call for judges to provide more clarity about sentencing will be heeded.

The DPP reportedly made a rare public comment yesterday saying victims deserved a better explanation of why varying penalties are imposed.

Victim Support in Cork says the remarks are very welcome as people affected by crime often feel confused by the sentencing process, causing them a lot of stress.

The director of the Irish Centre for Human Rights, meanwhile, says a more structured and transparent system is needed.

"The public are often mystified by sentencing and the criminal justice system and it's very important that the public understand it," he said.