Feargal Quinn (Independent)

On Tuesday I asked the Leader to come back with an answer regarding the handcuffing of a 79 year old man guilty of a serious crime. Who makes the decision about when we should adopt the policy of handcuffing criminals? I understood it was traditionally the case that four groups of people were not visibly handcuffed, namely, children, old people, women and soldiers in uniform. If that policy has been changed for certain occasions – perhaps it is a good decision – was the decision made at a political level? I remember at least two women who were found guilty of murder in recent years and who were escorted without handcuffs. If a decision has been made to handcuff those who are found guilty and who are escorted, was it made at a political level or by the local prison officer? If that decision adds to the ignominy of a criminal, that is good. However, we must ensure that decision is made at a political level rather than being adopted from the American system without any thought.