Sentences must be consistent

Waterford City Council echoed the public concern generally felt about the inconsistency of sentences handed down by the courts for rape and sexual assault.

A motion in the name of Independent Councillor Mary Roche calling for the introduction of mandatory sentences was endorsed by the council, which is also seeking the support of other local authorities in this campaign.

Too often have women been courageous enough to report a rape, and endure a court appearance, only to see the convicted perpetrator handed a lenient sentence.

Understandably, the Waterford Rape Crisis and Sexual Abuse Centre is backing the stance taken by the council, which deserves the support of other councils and obviously other rape and abuse centres.

Importantly, it needs the support of the Minister for Justice Michael McDowell to instigate the necessary legislation to introduce consistency for these crimes.

Many women have not, and would not, reported rape or sexual abuse because of a lack of faith that they would see justice dispensed.

There needs to be a streamlining of sentencing so that there are guidelines which judges are obliged to follow.