asked the Minister for Justice whether, since his published statement that he would not alter judicial decisions relating to cases of drunken driving, he has in fact altered any such decisions either by reducing sentences of imprisonment, or restoring licences; and, if so, if he will state the number of decisions where such action was taken and the amount and character of the mitigation involved in each case.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Alteration of Judicial Decisions.
Any statements I made in connection with persons convicted of drunken driving were to the effect that a disqualification to drive, imposed by a court, would not be remitted by me.
From 3rd June, 1954, to date no driving licence was restored to any person who was convicted of driving while drunk. Prison sentences were mitigated in nine such cases.
With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle I propose to circulate a statement in the Official Report showing the duration of the sentences in cases in which mitigation was granted and the degree of mitigation in each case.
Following is the statement:—
|
Duration of Sentence. |
Mitigation. |
|
One month |
21 days remitted. |
|
One month |
8 ,, ,, |
|
Two months |
Full sentence remitted. |
|
Seven days |
do. |
|
One month |
14 days remitted. |
|
Six weeks |
15,, ,, |
|
Fourteen days |
mitigated to £10 fine. |
|
Two months |
4 days remitted. |
|
Two months |
31 days remitted and defendant required to pay a fine of £5. |