Michael Bell
Ceist:144 Mr. Bell asked the Minister for Justice if he has any plans to grant a remission in full or in part of the sentence in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Remission of Sentence.
The person referred to by the Deputy who is at present held in Arbour Hill Prison was convicted on a charge of rape and sentenced to 12 years penal servitude. He subsequently appealed the conviction to the Court of Criminal Appeal. His appeal was not successful and his application to take an appeal to the Supreme Court was also refused. Allowing for normal statutory remission he is not due for release until July 1997.
On examination of this case I am satisfied that it would not be appropriate, at this stage at least, to commute or remit the sentence imposed on this prisoner or to grant him temporary release.