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Family urges murder cases reform Family urges murder cases reform
(about 1 hour later)
The sister of a murdered west Belfast greengrocer has called for the criminal justice system to be modernised.The sister of a murdered west Belfast greengrocer has called for the criminal justice system to be modernised.
Geraldine McAteer was speaking after it emerged the attorney general is to review the sentences handed down to those involved in the murder.Geraldine McAteer was speaking after it emerged the attorney general is to review the sentences handed down to those involved in the murder.
Harry Holland, 65, was stabbed in the head with a screwdriver near his home in September 2007.Harry Holland, 65, was stabbed in the head with a screwdriver near his home in September 2007.
Geraldine McAteer said the the family were distressed at the sentencing for the "vicious and merciless" attack.Geraldine McAteer said the the family were distressed at the sentencing for the "vicious and merciless" attack.
"We do not think that the sentences fitted the crime," she said."We do not think that the sentences fitted the crime," she said.
"But but also have a major issue with the way the case has been handled by the PPS." "But we also have a major issue with the way the case has been handled by the PPS."
The Public Prosecution Service has asked the attorney general to consider whether the sentences were unduly lenient.The Public Prosecution Service has asked the attorney general to consider whether the sentences were unduly lenient.
But Ms McAteer said, in her opinion, there were a number of other families who felt they had not received justice.But Ms McAteer said, in her opinion, there were a number of other families who felt they had not received justice.
"What we really need here is a criminal justice system in which we have the confidence that they will move forward to vigorously pursue prosecutions in cases such as these, not just for our family but for every other family," she said."What we really need here is a criminal justice system in which we have the confidence that they will move forward to vigorously pursue prosecutions in cases such as these, not just for our family but for every other family," she said.
"I believe there is a real need for the criminal justice system to be brought up to the standards that are required in the 21st century.""I believe there is a real need for the criminal justice system to be brought up to the standards that are required in the 21st century."
AffrayAffray
Earlier this month, Stephen McKee, 18, from Ballymurphy Road in west Belfast, was ordered to serve at least 12 years in jail for Mr Holland's murder.Earlier this month, Stephen McKee, 18, from Ballymurphy Road in west Belfast, was ordered to serve at least 12 years in jail for Mr Holland's murder.
Two other teenagers were also sentenced in connection with the killing.Two other teenagers were also sentenced in connection with the killing.
Patrick Crossan, from Willowbank Gardens in west Belfast, was sentenced to four years for attempted affray and having an offensive weapon.Patrick Crossan, from Willowbank Gardens in west Belfast, was sentenced to four years for attempted affray and having an offensive weapon.
A 17-year-old girl was placed on a probation order for two years after she admitted charges of affray and common assault.A 17-year-old girl was placed on a probation order for two years after she admitted charges of affray and common assault.
SDLP assembly member Alex Attwood welcomed the latest development.SDLP assembly member Alex Attwood welcomed the latest development.
"This is the right decision by the director," he said."This is the right decision by the director," he said.
"It will also be the right decision if the attorney general refers the case back to the Court of Appeal to review the sentences handed down.""It will also be the right decision if the attorney general refers the case back to the Court of Appeal to review the sentences handed down."