Judiciary fires back at critics of ‘light’ sentences from western judges
THE JAMAICAN judiciary, under fire for perceived light sentences handed to persons convicted for possession of illegal guns and ammunition, has come out swinging at critics and media reports on the controversy.
Through its Court Management Service (CMS), the judiciary said it has no objection to “appropriate scrutiny” but insisted that this should be done in a manner that is fair, balanced, and based on full and accurate information.
“The judiciary welcomes and understands the public interest in the dispensation of criminal justice, especially at a time when there is heightened sensitivity to the high levels of some crimes in our country,” CMS said in a statement released yesterday in response to a series of stories published by The Gleaner this week.
“However, inaccurate, incomplete, and unverified information that unfairly generates negative perceptions of sentencing practices brings the judiciary and our system of justice into disrepute and creates a significant threat to the rule of law and the fabric of our democracy.” JCF FINDINGS
Senior investigators within the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) have drafted a document which reveals that judges in St James, Westmoreland, Hanover, and Trelawny are opting more for fines, suspended sentences, and probation orders for persons convicted for illegal possession of firearm and ammunition.
The document, which has been brought to the attention of the Andrew Holness administration, examined 35 cases that were disposed of in the circuit courts in all four parishes last year. It showed that the stiffest punishment handed down was a five-year prison term.
Ten persons were given sentences of two to four years in prison.
Conversely, the document indicates that one woman was admonished and discharged for possession of ammunition, while several persons received suspended sentences and probation orders.
“Even though we fully recognise the independence of our judiciary, we are very concerned about the effectiveness of these sentences being handed down by the respective judges,” one investigator fumed.
Justice Minister Delroy Chuck has also admitted that he has concerns about the disparity in the sentences being imposed by judges.
“There needs to be greater consistency by judges,” he said, adding that sentences should send a strong signal to society about the repugnance of criminal activities.