Relatives of the 17-year-old Limerick girl who was killed instantly by a hit-and-run driver protested outside Limerick District Court yesterday.
Mr Michael Duffy his wife Mary and daughter Michelle from Garryowen carried placards stating "Mandatory sentencing for joyriders, speeders and drunk drivers".
Mr Duffy, an uncle of the victim, said: "The courts are failing to deal with these people. They walk in and they walk out on the street".
He urged the Government through immediate legislation to introduce mandatory sentencing and added: "If there was heavy enough sentencing, it would be a deterrent." He said he was speaking on behalf of the extended family.
Ms Tanya Nunan, of Sarsfield Gardens, Moyross, was killed after she was struck by a stolen car on May 5th at Bengal Terrace. Three teenagers have been charged with being carried in a stolen vehicle. Gardaí believe the driver may have fled to England and are seeking information as to his whereabouts.