Murder sentences - Review of early release necessary

The opinion expressed by Parole Board chairman Gordon Holmes in relation to prison sentences for murder would be echoed by most people concerned at the seemingly upward curve of the crime graph.

The same people would be surprised to hear that nowadays the average sentence served for murder is 17 years, because the public perception is that it is considerably shorter.

Mr Holmes, a solicitor as well as chairman of the Parole Board, is well acquainted with the prison regime and his views should carry considerable weight.