An MHK has questioned whether the island’s justice system works, claiming it is failing to deal with violent offenders.
In a post shared on the Isle of Man News & Politics Facebook page, Middle MHK Stu Peters said he constantly sees news reports about “violent thugs, thieves and repeat drug offenders being given ‘soft’ sentences”.
He contrasted this with penalties for drink driving, suggesting motorists face harsher consequences for a potential risk than offenders do for actual harm caused.
“If any of us strayed an inch beyond the blood alcohol limit whilst driving home, quite safely, at the end of a long working day, we would lose our driving license, probably our job and be forced to pay higher insurance premiums for life,” Mr Peters wrote.
He added: “I’m not advocating drink driving, but society seems to come down harder on potential consequences rather than real ones.”
The MHK pointed to an example of unprovoked violence, saying: “Punch someone at random in the face and cause physical and mental damage and you’ll probably get a suspended sentence and a £50 fine.”
Mr Peters, who admitted to “regular speeding back in the day in the UK”, said the number of repeat offenders being given “one last chance” makes him think “the system is broken”.