Sentencing policy - Consistent sentences are elusive

We would all like our judges to have the wisdom of Solomon and the humanity to match that enviable erudition, but, even if they did, it is unlikely that every decision made by one, especially around sentencing, would be universally supported.

That is especially so in cases involving violence or sexual assaults, even more so if the cases involve sexual assaults on children. That divisive issue has been reignited because Mr Justice Garrett Sheehan last week gave a 52-year-old man a seven-year suspended sentence for the rape and indecent assault of a 14-year-old girl.

The judge felt that imprisonment would impose extreme hardship on the man’s family. The court heard two of his young sons are autistic and need 24-hour attention. That a third child also has numerous health issues coloured the decision even more.