Madam, - A convicted rapist is finally imprisoned after last Tuesday's decision by the Court of Criminal Appeal. The Director of Public Prosecutions challenged the suspension of John Leech's four-year sentence and this challenge was upheld by the Court of Criminal Appeal. We wholeheartedly welcomes this outcome.
This result came on the same day that a 79-year-old man had most of his 11-year sentence for rape and indecent assault suspended.
Such glaring inconsistencies in sentencing make it extremely difficult for survivors of sexual violence to have faith in our justice system.
The SAVI (Sexual Abuse and Violence in Ireland) Report shows that only 9 per cent of survivors of sexual violence are prepared to come forward and report. Are we really surprised? - Yours, etc.,
INGRID WALLACE,
Rape Crisis Network Ireland,
Galway.