Bail is a privilege

FOR several years now, the Irish Daily Mail has highlighted the inconsistencies in the criminal justice system.

We repeatedly see violent felons being given inexplicably lenient sentences or even walking away from court scot-free. By contrast, there have also been instances of lengthy custodial terms for people who inflicted no physical harm on anyone.

None of it makes any sense. Nor does the point that major criminals are routinely let out on bail. As we report today, a man in his 60s – described as one of the country’s most dangerous individuals – was allowed to roam the streets, even after being accused of raping two women.

It beggars belief that someone facing such serious charges would be set free by any court of law. But it is even more incredible given that the man in question has more than 35 convictions and, after being bailed on the rape charges, allegedly carried out burglaries and robberies.

The rules of a democracy like ours are basic. We elect political leaders, we pay our taxes and – at the very least – we expect to be able to walk the streets in some degree of safety. It is hardly an unreasonable expectation.

Yet it is one the Government is clearly failing to meet. Much as it might make us feel uncomfortable, the plain truth is that any of us could fall victim to a random attacker who hasn’t previously come to the attention of the police or the courts.

But there is no excuse for us being at the mercy of recidivists who should be locked up until their cases come to trial.