<p>In the wake of the suspended sentence for Defence Forces member Cathal Crotty the woman he attacked, Natasha O'Brien, has called for mandatory minimum jail terms for assault causing serious harm. But how do judges come to their sentences? What do they have to take into account? And just how much is in their own hands when it comes to ensuring some people avoid jail?</p>

In the wake of the suspended sentence for Defence Forces member Cathal Crotty the woman he attacked, Natasha O'Brien, has called for mandatory minimum jail terms for assault causing serious harm. But how do judges come to their sentences? What do they have to take into account? And just how much is in their own hands when it comes to ensuring some people avoid jail?

124. How do judges decide jail terms?

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If you don't have the time to keep up with every twist and turn of the news agenda then sit back and Let Me Explain. Each week host Seán Defoe goes behind the scenes on one of the biggest stories dominating the airwaves. Why is it a big deal? Who's trying to spin you a line? And, most importantly, why should you give a damn? Listen and subscribe to Let Me Explain with Seán Defoe on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Download, listen and subscribe on the Newstalk App. You can also listen to Newstalk live on newstalk.com or on Alexa, by and asking: 'Alexa, play Newstalk'

If you don't have the time to keep up with every twist and turn of the news agenda then sit back and Let Me Explain.
Each week host Seán Defoe goes behind the scenes on one of the biggest stories dominating the airwaves.
Why is it a big deal? Who's trying to spin you a line? And, most importantly, why should you give a damn?

Listen and subscribe to Let Me Explain with Seán Defoe&nbsp;on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Download, listen and subscribe on the Newstalk App.&nbsp;&nbsp; 

You can also listen to Newstalk live on newstalk.com or on Alexa, by and asking: 'Alexa, play Newstalk'

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