Rough justice in our courts for the poor

A judge has sentenced a Cork woman, who “ripped off almost €60,000 in false social welfare claims” to 18 months in jail with half suspended because of what he described as “the particular circumstances of the case and also the deterrent effect”.

She will pay a high price for her offence, but the €60,000 fades into insignificance compared to the hundreds of millions misappropriated by those in the banking sector who are unlikely to see the inside of a jail.

If her residential address had been in a prestigious neighbourhood like Dublin 4 or Dalkey, would she have been apprehended and sentenced?

The court heard that she has repaid €2,700 in a number of recent €150 weekly payments. When the judge reportedly said, “realistically speaking, you are never going to get this money back”, an official from the Department of Social Protection said, “if her circumstances change, if she wins the Lotto, or something like that.Hacker in a hood on dark blue digital background” That was an unjustified, condescending slur from the official.

Last year, 11,000 citizens appeared in court, and 400 were jailed for non-payment of TV licences.

When custodial sentences are handed down to those failing to pay water charges (if implemented), extra jails will be needed.

Joe Terry

Blarney

Co Cork