Justice served in Mario Deane case
Published:Monday | July 14, 2025 | 12:07 AM
THE EDITOR, Madam:
The Gleaner, on July 2, published a news story titled ‘Mercia Fraser disappointed with sentences of cops collared for son’s 2014 death’.
I very much understand the disappointment which Mrs Fraser has relating to the prison sentences for the police officers. However, the judge sentenced the police officers in accordance with the sentencing guidelines they were tried under and, concomitantly, having accepted a guilty verdict from the jury, he has handed down a fair, reasonable and justified verdict in the case.
In every single case, it is the duty of the sentencing judge to strive and aim to arrive at a just, fair and balanced sentence. A just, fair and balanced sentence is therefore one which promotes respect for the law and its processes, by reflecting adequately and comprehensively – and proportionately – an appropriate amalgamation of all the relevant factors. Such a sentence is expected to be one which fits the crime, as well as the offender. Sentences should be proportionate to the gravity of the offence and the degree of responsibility of the offender. In this regard, I fully and totally agree with Justice Courtney Daye on his sentences imposed on the three police officers. They were found guilty for the offences which they were criminally charged. The jury found them guilty. The officers paid the penalty for the offences which they so committed.
Justice for Mario Deane’s mom and family has been delivered though they had to wait many years. I wish Mrs Mercia Fraser all the best.
ROBERT DALLEY