asked the Minister for Justice if he will state arising out of a reply to Question 49 of Tuesday, 11th May 1965 if there were special reasons why a person, who was convicted of malicious damage on 4th February 1965 and sentenced to six months imprisonment, was released on 13th February 1965, whereas the normal date of release should have been 19th June 1965; and if he will give details of the nature and location of the offence.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Release of Convicted Person.
43.
Mr. Barrett
As a general rule I am not prepared to state the reason for any remission of penalties. I consider that this case is a special one, however, and I welcome the opportunity of mentioning the circumstances in which the prisoner was discharged from prison as soon as the facts of her case were brought to my notice.
The defendant was sentenced in Letterkenny district court on 4th February to six months imprisonment with hard labour for throwing a stone through the windscreen of a passing car. The defendant is aged 32 years and is the mother of 12 children and the youngest aged three months accompanied her to prison. She had not been convicted previously of any criminal offence and the police reports go to show that the offence was unpremeditated and was probably committed while under the influence of drink. After the termination of the court proceedings compensation was paid for the damage caused.