McDowell dismisses judges’ criticisms of murder sentences

JUSTICE Minister Michael McDowell last night dismissed leading judges’ criticisms of sentencing for murder and manslaughter, stating he felt strongly that mandatory life sentences for murder are appropriate and desirable.

Defending his policies in this area of the law, Mr McDowell also warned criminals who customarily used violence that, if convicted of murder, they could expect to go to prison for a very long time.

Ruling out the relaxation of mandatory 40-year sentences for capital murder of gardaí, prison officers, diplomats and heads of state, the minister said it could have profound implications for the existence of an unarmed police force, especially where firearms are so freely available to criminals.