Spate of gangland murders:Offences Against State Act needed for criminal gangs

[patslatt]

This Act has demonstrated its efficacy not only in going after individual political subversives but also their organisations. With some minor modifications,it could be applied to criminal gangs.The continuing spate of gangland murders,including today's news about the murder of an innocent publican in Limerick in an apparent revenge killing,is a compelling argument for this. For those who worry about civil liberties,the OASA should be restricted to gangs that engage in serious violence such as aggravaterd assault and witness intimidation.A gang engaged in illegal commercial operations which used violence only when defending itself against the violence of other gangs should not be subjected to the Act.

Let's hope in the Limerick case that the judiciary on this occasion doesn't ignore pleas from the Gardai to deny bail to the suspects expected to be charged with the murder. If they are released,it would be difficult to find any witnesses willing to testify in the case.

[anlkestony]

The OASA was very efficient in relation to terriorist organisations and something similiar would def help in combatting org gangs.

[blinding]

If it would help then it should be used.

Organised crime is an offence against the Irish people and against the state.

Organised crime stops normal people going about their normal lives.

It has great cost both social and financial against the people of the state and the state.

Every legal and policing option should be used to control and eradicate organised crime.

[Kev408]

Wayne Dundon threatened to shoot Mr. Collins' nephew a few years ago after the nephew refused Dundon's 14 year old sister admission to the pub. The nephew was shot later that day and Dundon was given 10 years in prison. He appealed and it was reduced to 7 years. For behaving precisely the way he is expected to behave in prison Dundon will only serve 5 years. It is believed this latest shooting is related to the aforementioned. Congrats to the judges who reduced Dundon's sentence.

[Catalpa]

Wayne Dundon threatened to shoot Mr. Collins' nephew a few years ago after the nephew refused Dundon's 14 year old sister admission to the pub. The nephew was shot later that day and Dundon was given 10 years in prison. He appealed and it was reduced to 7 years. For behaving precisely the way he is expected to behave in prison Dundon will only serve 5 years. It is believed this latest shooting is related to the aforementioned. Congrats to the judges who reduced Dundon's sentence.

An Elected Judicary would be a great help here.

OASA is rather a blunt instrument though.

Longer and heavier sentencing of scumbags in more frugal conditions would be a better idea IMO.

Conviction for a gangland murder should mean Life served in full.

These people seem to be able to ply their Drugs Trade and provide for themselves out of it

how come?

After all they are Criminals because they can gain from this 'Lifestyle'

- so cut this style of living from underneath them and their satus is gone.

No more 'Appeals' and reduced sentencing in violent crime cases or intimidation either.

If the Judges who heard these appeals knew their livelihoods depended on securing Public approval for their decisions then I think that would help focus their minds wonderfully on what they need to do to ensure re-election.

[Kev408]

An Elected Judicary would be a great help here.

OASA is rather a blunt instrument though.

Longer and heavier sentencing of scumbags in more frugal conditions would be a better idea IMO.

Conviction for a gangland murder should mean Life served in full.

These people seem to be able to ply their Drugs Trade and provide for themselves out of it

how come?

After all they are Criminals because they can gain from this 'Lifestyle'

- so cut this style of living from underneath them and their satus is gone.

No more 'Appeals' and reduced sentencing in violent crime cases or intimidation either.

If the Judges who heard these appeals knew their livelihoods depended on securing Public approval for their decisions then I think that would help focus their minds wonderfully on what they need to do to ensure re-election.

I agree with everything you say. The piece I made bold is probably the one that riles people the most. How on earth can 'hits' be ordered and drugs be sold from a prison cell? How can John Gilligan not only have a 36''widescreen TV in his cell (I can't afford one) but also complain bitterly when it's removed? There are numerous examples of criminals deliberately committing crimes so they can go back to prison! Some punishment.

[orbit]

This Act has demonstrated its efficacy not only in going after individual political subversives but also their organisations. With some minor modifications,it could be applied to criminal gangs.The continuing spate of gangland murders,including today's news about the murder of an innocent publican in Limerick in an apparent revenge killing,is a compelling argument for this

Agreed, things are getting out of hand in Limerick, and something has to be done. But these gangs aren't quite the same as political subversives. So, you need to be a bit more specific about the measures you want to see brought in. One problem is that these gangs have their tentacles spread pretty wide, and exactly who is and isn't a member, might not be that easy to determine.

I'd like to see (reliable) surveillance evidence be used more against these people.

[Catalpa]

I agree with everything you say. The piece I made bold is probably the one that riles people the most. How on earth can 'hits' be ordered and drugs be sold from a prison cell? How can John Gilligan not only have a 36''widescreen TV in his cell (I can't afford one) but also complain bitterly when it's removed? There are numerous examples of criminals deliberately committing crimes so they can go back to prison! Some punishment.

Indeed there seems to have been a 'coverup' in relation to the discraceful Scandal that was uncovered in Portlaoise with Gilligans 36'' TV etc

- though others in there were also doing well when its clear that at least some in the Prison Service were intimidated IMO.

It makes that Prison scene in 'Goodfellas' look tame by comparision!

[Kev408]

Indeed there seems to have been a 'coverup' in relation to the discraceful Scandal that was uncovered in Portlaoise with Gilligans 36'' TV etc

- though others in there were also doing well when its clear that at least some in the Prison Service were intimidated IMO.

It makes that Prison scene in 'Goodfellas' look tame by comparision!

Indeed, I can picture little John showing Meehan and Ward how to make a 'jaysus coddle' - with the Dubliners playing in the background, naturally.

[Pedro Pique]

Tougher sentences are all very well , the thing is tho , even if the Dundon fella had been sentenced to 20 years , Mr Collins would still have been murdered . The gangs must be dismantled , this wont be achieved by tough sentences alone . Its time to think outside the box .