ONLINE FEEDBACK: SHAME ON JUSTICE SYSTEM

Not real Justice

We are faced here with an unjust judge, or somebody 'goozum' him. The 12 years must be for the rape alone, with no penalty for the abduction and attempted murder. Being buried alive is a horrifying experience. This poor child will have nightmares for years to come.

This man personifies evil and should have been locked away at hard labour for the rest of his life. Perhaps real justice will find him in prison.

- Grayhunter

A Feather-light penalty

When I heard the news I was numb. This is the third or fourth time this year we are hearing about these feather-light sentences. Yet, we wonder why vigilante justice is the preferred way to go in Jamaica.

It is a judge like this man why many Jamaicans (including myself) do not trust the 'justice' system in Jamaica.

- St Marian

JA not unique

Dr Conrad Murray was on Monday found guilty of the death of Michael Jackson, and his sentence will not be for more than four years. It's not only in Jamaica that justice is flawed.

- Miguel Morales

Were guidelines followed?

My question is: What are the sentencing guidelines in the country regarding heinous acts such as this, and did the judge follow them? If there are none, this begs for implementation of some.

The only relief to this ludicrous travesty of justice is that God will avenge this criminal. As to the judge, he might do himself and the country a favour and resign from the Bench. Clearly, he lacks the capacity for such office.

- Masrog

Need for sentencing reform

I do not know if you are aware that judges do not apply sentence arbitrarily; they have a structure and guideline to follow. With that said, it is likely that this individual is deserving of a more stringent sentence, but the judge's authority may not extent to doling out a more exacting punishment.

Maybe this case highlights the need for sentencing reform, and so, in addition to raising the issue in The Gleaner, I suggest raising the issue with your parliamentary representative, who serves the constituency in which you reside.

- Fire_Bun

Damn that monster!

Truly disgusting! Here's hoping this monster dies in prison because if he is released, he will definitely reoffend.

- Lily

Separate emotions from judgment

There's an obvious danger in sentencing based on emotion and public outcry. God help any one of you the day you appear for sentencing before someone who is 'emotional' about the type of crime you did. There are actual guidelines used for sentencing, so a more useful discussion would be whether he followed these principles, and how this sentence is different from similar cases.

From what I read, he was also sentenced for kidnapping and attempted murder, but the sentences all run concurrently. Truth be told, NONE of us sat through the trial and heard the evidence, so we can't fairly say what's reasonable based on what went in on court.

While I believe this man should do some serious time, if he doesn't get rehabilitated, he'll do it again.

- John the Baptist

Judge, think of your daughter

Brother David Fraser, I know your spiritual upbringing and I am disappointed with this judgment. What if this was your daughter or sister or a close friend's child?

- Preacher

Make it personal

The judge should close his eyes, imagine the same thing being done to him or his loved one, and see what new sentence he comes up with.

- Christmasgiving