Sir, – Further to "Mother tells of girl's last moments" (Front Page, April 20th), why was the maximum penalty not imposed on Ciaran Lane? With his eight previous convictions, coupled with a litany of illegal actions on that nightmare Easter Monday, what worse action on his part could warrant the "exceptional case" scenario required for a 10-year penalty?
As a mother of a child of a similar age to Vanessa Siatka, I believe this lenient sentence of five years is an affront to ordinary families. Lane’s expression of contrition notwithstanding, surely the court should have made an example of him.
My condolences to the Siatka family. – Yours, etc,
LAURA ROCHE,
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Howth, Co Dublin.