Impact of suspended sentences ruling unclear after adjournment

Impact of suspended sentences ruling unclear after adjournment

The impact of the ruling on the constitutionality of a law governing the activation of suspended sentences remains unclear after final orders in six test cases were adjourned.

Last week, Mr Justice Michael Moriarty declared section 99 of the Criminal Justice Act 2006 is unconstitutional.

He was expected to make final orders at a hearing today.

However, at a brief hearing this morning, barrister Conor Power for the State told Mr Justice Moriarty that they needed more time to present a written argument.

The judge, after stating that the case was urgent, adjourned the case to next Friday for mention before the court.

A number of High Court cases brought by prisoners who are currently detained under the legislation had been adjourned until today in the expectation that today’s hearing would clarify the judgment.

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