Petition to Reform Consecutive Sentencing Laws in Ireland for Crimes Involving Loss of Life

We, the undersigned, call on the Irish Government and the Minister for Justice to amend the current sentencing laws to ensure that multiple sentences for serious crimes, particularly those involving loss of life, are served consecutively rather than concurrently.

Why is this important?

Under the current system, multiple sentences are often served concurrently, meaning offenders convicted of multiple serious crimes, may not serve a full and proportionate sentence for each offence. This can lead to injustices where multiple victims and their families do not see appropriate accountability reflected in sentencing.

One tragic example of this is the case of Joe Drennan, who lost his life in October 2023 after being struck by a car driven by Kieran Fogarty, a man who at the time was on bail and prohibited from driving, and drove through a red light at 123km in an attempt to evade Gardai.

Kieran Fogarty has a total of 46 convictions and the Judge, in his ruling, stated he would treat Fogarty's crimes that resulted in Joe's death separate to the crimes relating to firearms, drugs and other violent crimes.
However he sentenced Fogarty to a total of 8 years for his violent crimes and firearms and drugs charges. He sentenced Fogarty to a total of 6.5 years for the charges relating to Joe’s death with all sentences to run concurrently. This means that justice for Joe’s life and for the other victims of Fogarty’s actions are not fully reflected in the sentence imposed.

We believe that:

• Every life matters—When an individual takes multiple lives or commits multiple serious offences, the punishment should reflect the gravity of each crime.

• Justice should be meaningful—The Irish justice system should ensure that sentencing reflects the true impact of crimes on victims and society.

• Consecutive sentencing should be the standard in cases of multiple serious offences, particularly where a life has been taken.

We urge the Minister for Justice and the Oireachtas to introduce and pass legislation ensuring that:

• Sentences for multiple crimes involving loss of life must be served consecutively rather than concurrently.

• Judges are required to impose consecutive sentences in cases involving multiple victims.

• The law is reformed to bring greater accountability, justice, and fairness for victims and their families.

Joe Drennan’s case is just one example of how Ireland’s sentencing laws fail to fully reflect the severity of crimes involving loss of life. It is time for change.

We call on all members of the public, advocacy groups, and policymakers to support this vital reform and ensure that Ireland’s justice system properly acknowledges the impact of violent crimes.

Sign this petition and help us demand change

 

We would prefer if everyone shares the petition link or the QR code below across their socials and to all their friends to spread awareness rather than promoting this petition via Change.

Thanks for your help.