Sir, - Fianna Fail's John O'Donoghue criticised Vincent Browne (June 20th) for an alleged superficial analysis of the issue of the frequency of crimes committed by those on bail. However, Mr O'Donoghue's own analysis is laden with dubious assumptions. He claims that because more than one in four detected armed robberies in 1993 were committed by people on bail, it is reasonable to apply this one in four ratio to a wide range of undetected crimes leading to a figure of 32 armed robberies likely to have been carried out by people on bail. Bailed suspects were also "credited" with about one quarter of the muggings, pickpocketing and other such activities. An alternative and perhaps equally valid assumption is that the gardai have a much higher index of suspicion for known suspects including those on bail. Past form is a relevant factor in criminal investigation.
The answer to the crimes on bail problem is not to drop the assumption of innocence until proven guilty but to arrange speedy trials. The system may even need to be changed to allow an examining judge make a preliminary assessment of the evidence to decide on bail when serious charges are being made. The Felloni case should not be used to curtail civil liberties. His case clearly underlines the need for speedy hearings. The right bail is a shining beacon in our justice system. Clearly our jails are quite the opposite and remanding innocent people in custody is appalling. - Yours, etc.,
167 Glasnevin Avenue,
Dublin 11.