Selective Justice

international | crime and justice | opinion/analysis Monday April 16, 2007 20:35 by Kevin Walsh - Social Inclusion and understanding

Right to Silence: Long regarded as keystone to Irish legal system

Some years ago, we had a tragic murder at Grange Gorman hospital of two innocent women. It was one of the most horrific murders in the history of the State. Another horrific point about it is the investigation of the Garda Siochana.

Dean Lyon was a young drug addict. Depressive, suicidal and now in hindsight Dean had a walter mitty state of mind as a result of drugs. Yet Gardai had him incarcerated for 9 months in Mountjoy prison. Within a few weeks, they knew their mistake but a junior member within their ranks pushed the issue. Some time later, Dean Lyons, took his own life in London.

I ask tonight where was the medical protection for this young man, as no doubt his family do. Did the prison Governor have this man thoroughly assessed by a Psychiatrist or Psychologist? Was their a medical preport sent back to the Gardai via the Minister for Justice. This is the first half of my justice equation tonight.

Evening Herald Headlines before Christmas - young girl found dead in Kilkenny with severe head injuries - tragic and sad. Her Mother, Dr. Hutchinson, psychiatrist was found in distress in the bedroom, family home. An established family, her father Mr. Gibbs is an aviation expert in Ireland and lectures on the subject.

I have asked this question before - Dr. Hutchinson, is now in her 5th month in the private hospital - St. Patrick's (Psychiatric) in Dublin. I am making no moral judgment here - I am just going Due Process. If it was a mother from Ballyfermot, would she get similar treatment? I don't think so.

The media silence around this case is now deafening - even some Gardai in Kilkenny have admitted privately that all doors are locked in regard to this case.

Tonight I ask the Constitution who runs this country - the Government or the Irish Medical Council, the Bar Association and empowered private clubs!.......

Kevin T. Walsh

What has happened to the Criminal Justice Bill - is it lost !!!! Is it another puff of smoke!!!!
Do we really believe that Ireland ought to be considering the long established practice known as the 'Right to Silence'. I note the absence of Transparency, Accountability and Ethics too frequently in what form the Organs of the State.