Just a system?

Vicky Griffin from O'Malley Park, Southill was handed down a two year  suspended  sentence earlier today for possession of a double barrell sawn off shot gun and a 22 caliber rifle in her attic.  She had pleaded guilty to the crime.

Her house was searched back in 2007 where the guns were discovered.  She told the Gardai that she was aware there was something in her attic.  She apparently told them  'I saw it when I was taking down the Christmas tree' and 'you don't say no to these people'. 

According to the Garda that was involved in the search of her house and questioning afterwards, and who also gave evidence earlier, he said that she was in fear of her life and was under threat from 'evil and sinister people' who forced her to store the guns in her attic.  She would not divulge to Gardai the name of the individual who placed the guns in the attic.  This particular member of An Garda Siochana praised her for being a good mother, said she maintained a good house and her house was in good order.  What the feck that has to do with the fact that she allowed the storage of firearms in her attic is beyond me!!  She has two children, and obviously wasn't too concerned for their welfare and safety, allowing dangerous weapons like that in the household. 

The court was told that she was not on the Garda radar 'so it was a convenient safehouse for the storage of the weapons'........ yet somehow, somewhere along the line, she did come into Garda radar, considering there was a raid and search on her house! Brian McInerney for the Defence  maintained  'wicked, evil and sinister people would have inflicted serious if not lethal harm had she refused.'

It was mentioned that she had two previous convictions, but these were very quickly brushed over and quickly described as minor.  Vicky was not questioned during court today, all converstation and talking was conducted by Counsel,  and a member of an Garda Siochana sided 100% with her story.

Judge Carroll Moran maintained it would be unjust to impose an immediate custodial sentence and suspended a two year sentence for two years.

It was observed by a number of people afterwards that a very conspicuous handshake was undertaken between Vicky Griffin and said Garda!

So there you go folks..... another laughable lack of sentence handed down in Limerick.  Aint it grand to be on the good side of the Gardai and have them sound your praises in court!  Reminds me of the case of  Hanora Ryan  a while back..  She received a four year suspended sentence for possession of over €60,000 worth of drugs in her bedroom wardrobe   and she also had a member of an Garda Siochana, a Detective, sound her praises, when he heard that Hanora could possibly be involved.


It's not a justice system, it's just a system.