Sir, – Am I the only person left puzzled and bewildered when judges deduct the last two, four or even six years from a convicted criminal’s sentence? In some of the most disturbing cases to come before the courts, the judge suspends up to a third of the sentence. Why? What is the legal necessity to do this? Is it to show the criminal that the justice system is fair and merciful to him, in contrast to his treatment of his victim? A great system if you are a criminal, but not so great if you are a victim. – Yours, etc,
MICHAEL ROONEY,
Galway.