MURDER VICTIMS’ FAMILIES WANT SENTENCES CLARITY

FAMILIES who lost loved ones through murder or manslaughter reached out to support one another at a remembrance service yesterday.

Hundreds gathered in the Freemasons Hall in Dublin for the annual event organised by Advic, an advocacy group for victims’ loved ones.

The organisation is urging politicians to support a new Bill that would introduce minimum sentences for those imprisoned for life. Advic said families are angered by the lack of clarity on how long murderers will actually serve for life sentences.

Chairperson Barbara Clinton added: “Every time we gather for our remembrance day, it is a stark reminder that families are the only people who are forced to serve life sentences.”

Ms Clinton called on politicians to support a private members Bill being introduced by Senator Marie Lousie O’donnell in the Seanad.