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Jimmy Guerin calls for introduction of internment to deal with gangland crime

The brother of murdered journalist Veronica Guerin has called for the introduction of internment ...
Newsroom
Newsroom

18.54 20 Jan 2020


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Jimmy Guerin calls for introdu...

Jimmy Guerin calls for introduction of internment to deal with gangland crime

Newsroom
Newsroom

18.54 20 Jan 2020


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The brother of murdered journalist Veronica Guerin has called for the introduction of internment to deal with gangland crime.

Independent Councillor Jimmy Guerin says it is time to take action.

His comments came in the wake of the brutal murder of 17-year-old Keane Mulready-Woods in Co Louth.

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It was the latest killing in an ongoing feud between Drogheda crime gangs.

Earlier today, a priest from the town said that some local people are nervous when it gets dark because of the feud.

Speaking with Ivan Yates on The Hard Shoulder, Mr Guerin said he was "advocating that we take a serious response".

Discussing gangland crime in Dublin, Mr Guerin said: "It's not only the events of last week, barbaric and savage as they were, that has led to this, this problem has been accumulating and going on for years and years in many parts of the city.

"The reality is that we have surrendered parts fo the city to organised crime gangs and drugs lords.

"We have areas on the northside and indeed all over the city that aren't being policed because police are afraid to go in and there's a serious lack of resources.

He said criminals are boasting about their crimes on social media while hundreds of people are being terrorised throughout the city.

Mr Guerin said: "I believe that this time we take a positive step and we show real leadership and take action.

"We should introduce internment and if people are satisfied that youths and people are involved in gangs and selling drugs and terrorising families then they should be taken off the streets and interned.

He said there would have to be strict controls over the process which would work as a system to remove people from the streets.

He said that if a Garda superintendent in the area is satisfied that somebody is participating in criminal activity then his word should suffice.

Once an individual is interned for an alleged crime then their case would be investigated and proceed through the courts as quickly as possible, Mr Guerin said.

He said that "we don't have due process" when people are being targetted and in fear and that "drastic" action is needed to prevent this.

Young people might be deterred from engaging in criminal activity if the system to remove people from the streets was in place, he said.

"Until there is a complete change in policy, both in legislation and in the provision of resources, we will never be able to deal with this problem seriously."

Main image: File photo of Jimmy Guerin. Credit: RollingNews.ie

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Crime Drogheda Gangland Crime Internment Jimmy Guerin

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