End revolving door for repeat offenders

ONE of the men who attacked referee Daniel Sweeney was on bail for assault and threats to kill at the time of the incident, security sources have told the Irish Daily Mail. We understand that the presumption of innocence is a cornerstone of our legal system, but this scourge of crimes being committed by those already charged with crimes needs to be addressed.

It seems an almost weekly occurrence now that this newspaper has to point out that a crime has been committed by yet another person using our revolving door justice system to get back on the streets.

We accept the principle of bail, but we also endlessly have to point out the obvious, and that is the equal – indeed, superior – right of law-abiding people being able to go about their business without fear of being raped, burgled or physically assaulted by thugs who should not be free to prey on others at all.

The entire country was sickened by the attack on Daniel Sweeney after a match in Horseleap in Co. Offaly last Sunday, which left him with two fractures to his jaw, one to his eye socket, and multiple cuts and bruises, some of which required stitches. Clearly the bigger man, Mr Sweeney said he forgave his attackers but we find it more difficult to be so generous of spirit.

Instead, we are sick of the kid gloves attitude to justice that sees repeat, and even persistent, offenders left to roam free and bring terror wherever they go. The time has come to stop indulging them. Bail is a privilege that should be earned and not abused. It is unspeakably offensive that any man or woman giving of his or her time for the sake of the community should face the sort of ordeal visited on Daniel Sweeney.