Daily
Dispatch Thursday 16th June 2006
MAGINNESS
SHOCK AT SHOUKRI COURT DECISION
SDLP Justice Spokesperson Alban Maginness MLA has expressed
his shock at the news that UDA and UFF membership charges against
Ahab Shoukri have been dropped today.
Mr
Maginness stated:
“This is a very surprising decision and one that will be
a huge matter of public concern. It is not unreasonable to assume
that there would have been enough evidence readily available to
provide the basis for a prosecution. It therefore comes as a great
surprise that at this late stage the evidence which the prosecution
relied upon is deemed to be unsuitable for proceeding. It is disappointing
that this prosecution has not been pursued by the PPS.
This decision will disappoint many and will raise many questions
in the mind of the public about the commitment of the authorities
to pursue with vigour the defendant in this case. There will be
alarm in the community that this man has now been released and
given his past record there is every reason for people to be deeply
concerned.”
MAGINNESS
RESPONDS TO SENTENCING POLICY REVIEW
SDLP Justice Spokesperson Alban Maginness MLA has commented
on the possibility of tougher sentences being introduced for sex
offenders and violent criminals. Direct Rule Criminal Justice
Minister David Hanson raised the possibility today at the beginning
of Criminal Justice week.
Mr
Maginness stated:
“The SDLP welcomes the Government’s review of sentencing
and the comments of the Criminal Justice Minister David Hanson
to present proposals in the near future. There is a very grave
public concern about the way in which the courts deal with the
most offensive of criminal activity brought before them, in particular
sex offenders and offences involving violence. Often or not it
appears to the public that offenders get off too lightly. While
in the main this is not true, there is a significant minority
of cases where offenders have got off too lightly. The Government
must address this situation so that there is a more robust response
by the courts to the worst offenders.”
CONVERY
WELCOMES TOUR OF NORTH RESOLUTION - 13th June 2006
SDLP
North Belfast Councillor Pat Convery welcomed news that agreement
has been reached between the marching orders and local residents
on Friday’s Tour of the North march.
He said: “The SDLP has always maintained
the role of the Parades Commission on the one hand and local dialogue
on the other as the way forward on contentious marches and parades.
“We welcome the fact that a resolution has been worked out
between the North and West Parades Forum on the one hand and the
Ardoyne Parades Dialogue Group on the other. But making agreements
is one thing and making them stick is another. It is essential
that the Parades Commission keep itself involved and informed
and actively monitor the parade to ensure that all marchers and
residents and their supporters on both sides adhere to the letter
and spirit of this agreement.”
Note to editors:
An SDLP delegation will meet with the Parades Commission at 1:30
on Wednesday 14th to discuss the Whiterock Parade.
MAGINNESS
COMMENTS ON JUSTICE OVERSIGHT REPORT - 14th June 2006
SDLP
Justice Spokesperson Alban Maginness MLA has commented on the
sixth and final Justice Oversight Commissioner’s report
which has said that more needs to be done to tackle lengthening
delays in the Criminal Justice system.
Mr
Maginness stated:
“The simple fact is that justice delayed is justice denied.
It is both unfair to the victim and the accused. The accused,
who may be innocent could have criminal charges hanging over them
for years when they need to be tried quickly. The victim also
deserves swift and decisive action so that they can have piece
of mind and the beginning, at least, of a process of closure.
The SDLP welcome the changes to the criminal justice system that
have occurred in the last three years but we believe that much
more can be done. Some of the changes to the system are waiting
for the devolution of justice powers to local institutions. We
believe that there is no need to wait. The Government should press
ahead with them now.
Those who are holding up the return of devolution are in fact
obstructing and impeding the renewal of our criminal justice system.
Those obstructionists should realise the adverse effect they are
having on the fullest possible implementation of justice within
our society.”
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