Today we hear from the courts in Londonderry that two men aged 29 and 30 have admitted charges in connection with cocaine. The judge has stated that it is ‘almost inevitable’ that a custodial sentence will be given. However sentence has already been passed and carried out by a grouping called Republican Action Against Drugs.
In a civilised society there can be no place for such vigilanteism. We have the Police Service of Northern Ireland and the Courts Service to uphold the law. It is not the place of other criminals and thugs to go out and act as judge, jury, and even executioner. As we approach the elections on May 5th, I want to know what our political parties are going to do to help combat this current terror on our streets.
Don’t misunderstand me, I am not saying that those who commit crimes should not be punished for them. It is my point that this punishment should be handed out by the courts. If a custodial sentence is appropriate then so be it. If not, then that is for the judge to decide. However, anyone convicted should receive care and assistance to try to stop them offending again.
In a civilised society there can be no place for such vigilanteism. We have the Police Service of Northern Ireland and the Courts Service to uphold the law. It is not the place of other criminals and thugs to go out and act as judge, jury, and even executioner. As we approach the elections on May 5th, I want to know what our political parties are going to do to help combat this current terror on our streets.
Don’t misunderstand me, I am not saying that those who commit crimes should not be punished for them. It is my point that this punishment should be handed out by the courts. If a custodial sentence is appropriate then so be it. If not, then that is for the judge to decide. However, anyone convicted should receive care and assistance to try to stop them offending again.
Gyronny Herald 
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