A District Court judge has warned that those found guilty of violent assaults and drug-dealing will face a spell behind bars and businesses convicted of selling drink to underage people will be shut down, even if it is a first offence.
Judge James McNulty, who presides over south Tipperary as well as towns in Co Waterford and Co Cork, this week issued a policy statement that anyone found guilty of these crimes could not expect light sentences in his courts.
As far as public order was concerned, Judge McNulty said, there were three deadly sins - violent assaults, underage drinking and the sale or supply of illegal drugs. In relation to violent assaults, Judge McNulty said from now on, anyone who was convicted in his court of assault causing injury would be at high risk of going to jail, even for a first offence.
He warned that all those found guilty of selling or serving alcohol to underage persons would have their premises closed. Those offenders could expect to be shut for up to seven days for a first offence, up to 30 days for a second offence and ultimately they could lose their licence altogether.
He was making a policy statement in relation to these specific crimes as guidance for solicitors and as a fair warning to offenders. "So that no one will be surprised when prison sentences soon become the standard penalty for assaults and drug-dealing and that no one will plead ignorance, I would ask the local media to carry this message to young adults in this court area," he told last week's sitting.
If on evidence convictions arose, ordinary decent people had a right to expect that appropriate penalties would be handed down, the judge said. When necessary, severe penalties would be imposed.
He was taking the opportunity to outline his views with regard to specific offences after two years on the bench and six months in his district.
He added: "No judge in Ireland could be unaware of the significant increase in recent years in the frequency and severity of violent assaults fuelled by drink or drugs and often both."