Sir, - I read the court case of Garda David Kerins and, like Kevin Myers (An Irishman's Diary, June 25th and July 1st), I see it as a ring-fenced case of a punishment not fitting an alleged crime. Was there a crime when the evidence indicated that David Kerins was not compos mentis on the occasion of the stated offences?
Clearly the court should have taken into consideration the fact that he had been subject to a mental throwback to his tortured and sexually abused childhood and could not therefore be held responsible for his actions on the night of the supposed transgressions. He has been thrice punished when there should have been help. He has been deprived of his name, he been deprived of his career and he has been deprived of his liberty for three years.
I am writing to the court and to the Department of Justice requesting a re-trial for Garda David Kerins and I am requesting my local public representatives to do likewise. To ensure a speedy hearing and a public resolution to a perceived imbalance of justice I am asking all fair minded people to similarly canvass their elected representatives and the court. Yours, etc.,
Upper Kilmacud Road,
Dublin 14.