Roche supports mandatory minimum jail sentence for rape

14/03/2007 - 13:22:14
Minister for the Environment Dick Roche has expressed his support for the idea of a mandatory prison sentence for rape.

Mr Roche was reacting to the outcry over the suspended sentence handed down to a convicted rapist at the Central Criminal Court on Monday.

The victim in the case has waived her right to anonymity to criticise the leniency of the punishment and call on the DPP to appeal for a tougher sentence.

Asked about the matter in Dublin today, Mr Roche said he believed the court decision had sent out the wrong signal and the law should be changed to introduce minimum sentences for rape.

"It is a crime that has to be dealt with," he said.