The Superintendent in Westport has congratulated local gardai for the “great deal of good work” they do. At this week’s meeting of Westport Joint Policing Committee, Supt. Mick Murray reported that all major criminal incidents which took place in Westport over the past year have led to convictions or cases currently being processed or pending through the courts.
He added that in the past week sentences have been handed down for an assault on a garda, a stabbing of a garda, an axe attack in the town, and for a siege situation. The “desired effect on the streets” is being seen by such convictions as not alone will these individuals be off the streets of the town, but their incarcerations are a reminder to others not to break the law, he said.
Councillor Christy Hyland complimented the work done by local gardaí, but said that even though long sentences are handed down, with remission and time already served as well as lack of space in prisons, individuals could be back on the streets sooner than desired, which must be “demoralising for gardaí”.
Cllr Myles Staunton, who is also a solicitor, said that the most frustrating aspect for the public is the period between the offence and sentencing, where defendants are granted bail and can walk free. However, the Cathaoirleach of the town said that to “put it into context” there are “very few serious incidents in the town” and the District Court list is evidently small in comparison to other towns in the county.
