I want our decision makers to use their powers to ensure that a message is sent that trying to burn asylum seekers in their homes is an extremely serious offence.
Why is this important?
During the early hours of New's Years Day 2024, two young men, Eamon and Evan Murphy attacked an asylum centre in Kerry. Carrying a can of petrol and having kicked in the door they were prevented from causing further damage by an on-duty security guard.
Despite having earlier been informed by Judge David Water that they faced jail sentences, and his finding that they clearly intended to set fire to the building with people inside, neither will now face jail time.
When it came to sentencing Eamon Murphy received only a four month suspended sentence, with Evan Murphy not even receiving a criminal conviction.
This sentencing sends entirely the wrong message to those who might consider causing the most serious harm to people who seek asylum in this country.
