Bristol University Press
ONE The apex of seriousness
Abstract
This chapter provides an overview of sentencing outcomes resulting in 15 years’ imprisonment up to (and including) life imprisonment in sexual offence cases decided over more than three decades in Ireland (from 1985 to 2022: n=108). The analysis sheds light on judicial perceptions of what constitutes the most serious and aggravated version of these offences in a sentencing system where judicial discretion is wide. The volume of offending being dealt with at each sentencing hearing was a key factor in imposing a sentence of this severity. In cases involving offences committed against adult victims, the perpetrators were all male, the offending involved serious levels of violence and the perpetrator was often a stranger to the victim. In cases of child sexual abuse, the offending commenced when the child or children were of a young age and multiple offences were committed over a prolonged period. The role of judges and the environment within which they operate is also explored as a factor that may impact sentencing choices.
Abstract
This chapter provides an overview of sentencing outcomes resulting in 15 years’ imprisonment up to (and including) life imprisonment in sexual offence cases decided over more than three decades in Ireland (from 1985 to 2022: n=108). The analysis sheds light on judicial perceptions of what constitutes the most serious and aggravated version of these offences in a sentencing system where judicial discretion is wide. The volume of offending being dealt with at each sentencing hearing was a key factor in imposing a sentence of this severity. In cases involving offences committed against adult victims, the perpetrators were all male, the offending involved serious levels of violence and the perpetrator was often a stranger to the victim. In cases of child sexual abuse, the offending commenced when the child or children were of a young age and multiple offences were committed over a prolonged period. The role of judges and the environment within which they operate is also explored as a factor that may impact sentencing choices.
Chapters in this book
- Front Matter i
- Contents iii
- List of tables iv
- Acknowledgements v
- The apex of seriousness 1
- Getting to guidance 19
- Deconstructing sentences 39
- Sentencing crimes committed against adult victims 61
- Sentencing crimes of child sexual abuse 87
- Factoring in judges 110
- Conclusion 126
- Notes 131
- References 152
- Index 160
Chapters in this book
- Front Matter i
- Contents iii
- List of tables iv
- Acknowledgements v
- The apex of seriousness 1
- Getting to guidance 19
- Deconstructing sentences 39
- Sentencing crimes committed against adult victims 61
- Sentencing crimes of child sexual abuse 87
- Factoring in judges 110
- Conclusion 126
- Notes 131
- References 152
- Index 160
