Criminal assets - Time to stop free legal aid for the rich

ONE of the maddening aspects of Ireland’s legal system is the sight of notorious gangland criminals, thugs who clearly have significant assets, being granted free legal aid by the courts.

Criminal assets - Time to stop free legal aid for the rich

Arguably, in the majority of cases, access to free legal aid is justified for those accused of serious crimes who cannot afford representation. But there is something seriously askew with a state system that enables infamous criminals to get away without paying legal fees when they are visibly flaunting the trappings of wealth, living in expensive houses, driving around in big cars, and taking frequent holidays abroad.

At the other end of the scale, a district court judge has criticised parents who are prepared to pay “handsome and princely sums” to secure bail for their children but are not prepared to pay legal fees. As Judge John Neilan put it “there is something radically wrong when parents can put €500 on the table for bail” but allow their children to avail of free legal aid.

Already a subscriber? Sign in

You have reached your article limit.

Unlimited access. Half the price.

Annual €120 €60

Best value

Monthly €10€5 / month

More in this section

Revoiced

Newsletter

Sign up to the best reads of the week from irishexaminer.com selected just for you.

Cookie Policy Privacy Policy Brand Safety FAQ Help Contact Us Terms and Conditions

© Examiner Echo Group Limited