Jail rich criminals, not dog licence defaulters

IF ever proof was needed that we are living in a banana republic it comes with the outrageous news that a 40-year old Dundalk man David Gartlan, who hasn’t worked for some time, was jailed for 10 days beside rapists and murderers because he failed to pay a 250 fine for not having a 12 dog licence.

Thu, 01 May, 2003 - 01:00

Some justice we have in this so-called Republic. Why can’t they lock up all the wealthy Ansbacher jet-setting type tax evaders and fraudsters and all of the other white collar crooks? Is it because they’re all friends of the judiciary?

And why is it that everyone is so afraid to venture out onto our streets, especially at night?

I agree with the Irish Penal Reform Trust who have called this a gross travesty and a miscarriage of justice of justice. David Gartlan should take action against the State and sue them massively. The more I see and hear of such miscarriages of justice, the more I think “One Solution! Revolution!”

Paul Kinsella,

53, Lorcan Grove,

Santry,

Dublin 9.