FG welcomes DPP’s call for more clarity in sentencing
Fine Gael has welcomed calls by the Director of Public Prosecutions for judges to provide more clarity about the reasons for handing down sentences.
The DPP reportedly made a rare public comment yesterday saying victims often viewed sentencing as a lottery and deserved a better explanation of why varying penalties are imposed.
Fine Gael spokesman Jim O'Keefe said today that similar proposals had formed the basis of a radical sentencing policy approved at his party's ard fheis in May.
He says a wide range of reforms are needed, including the drafting of sentencing guidelines and an obligation on judges to explain themselves if they deviate from these guidelines.
Mr O’Keefe says the DPP should also be allowed to make his views known at sentencing hearings.
