So much for the death of Ashling Murphy being a stark reminder that Ireland is the midst of an epidemic of violence against women.
Remember all the fine speeches about how the horrific killing of the 23-year old teacher was a gamechanger which must result in increased protection for women?
Who could forget how tens of thousands turned out across the country to hold vigils in memory of the young woman who was killed as she jogged along the Royal Canal in Tullamore, Co Offaly, in January.
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But the reality is we’re a great nation for lighting candles and then forgetting why we lit them after the flame goes out.
The fact is that the well-intentioned people who held those vigils or organised protests in Ashling’s name might as well have stayed home to watch Fair City.
Unfortunately nothing has changed as violence and threats against women are not punished firmly enough. The justice system seems more concerned for the welfare of violent men rather than their female victims.
This week, a scumbag who terrorised a young woman and threatened to throw acid in her face walked free without spending a single day in jail.
Big, brave Jack Cleary, 25, was given a four-year suspended sentence after pleading guilty to threatening to pour acid in the face of Leanne Maher.
Cleary, of The Green, Beaumont Woods, Santry, Dublin, also pleaded guilty to threatening to kill the mother-of-three, while an additional charge of harassment was taken into account.
Maybe it’s just me, but I believe acid attacks are among the most horrific crimes imaginable, as they leave victims with dreadful scarring for life.
At Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, Judge Melanie Greally deemed that this low life had ongoing mental health issues, but is getting help and is considered to be stable and at a reduced risk of re-offending, but not no risk.
This acknowledges he still poses some danger yet he was allowed to walk free from court.
It emerged that Cleary met Ms Maher through a dating app, so there’s every chance he will threaten another woman, or worse still, carry out his threat if he is again spurned. Why wouldn’t he, when there were no consequences for his vile actions. Isn’t it amazing how judges take into account mitigating factors such as guilty pleas and cooperation with gardai when passing sentences, but seem to ignore the consequences for victims?
Incredibly, Judge Greally said she realised that the victim and her family life had been damaged, but added an immediate custodial sentence was not necessary.
After being denied justice, Ms Maher said: “My children are not going to get over what he has done. He has traumatised my three children and he is standing there smiling when my children are afraid in their beds. He is a monster.”
The Director of Public Prosecutions has now been urged to appeal the suspended sentence handed down.
The message has gone out from the courts that you can threaten to kill a woman and to throw acid in her face and you will not go to jail.
A man can traumatise a woman and terrorise her children and threaten to destroy her home, as Cleary did, and be secure in the knowledge he will walk free from court if charged.
Indeed what is the point in a woman taking an abuser to court when there is every chance that, like Ms Maher, she will not get justice.
The harsh reality is that at times Ireland’s perverse justice system appears designed to punish the victims and protect violent offenders.
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