An answer to Mr. Paul Sharkey First I thought I should answer in Hungarian, since Mr. Sharkey does not really deserve a letter in English. Please note, he did not use the mother tongue of the victims when he wrote to their father. Then, I had to concede that my answer might have more effect this way. What an outrageous letter! Human beings are responsible creatures. The only one which can be responsible. A man is able to foresee the potential consequences of his acts and omissions. So, a man can be liable because of this ability (and because he can act freely).In general from the point of view of equity everybody has to be responsible without any exceptions. There can not be an exception, this is my first answer to that letter. The aim is not the revenge at all, but the protection of the society, in other word words the protection of us. The judiciary can show us that we are protected, because everybody has to take his responsibility. Irresponsible acts can lead to the demolition of the human society. Even if bearing one's responsibility can cause more suffering, it can save us from a lot more suffering indirectly in the future, since it demonstrates that there is no exception. This is my second answer. How can we understand a situation in which someone is trying not to take the consequences although he was considered blameworthy by the courts? Why should he be an exception? It should be wise to say sorry, the sooner the better. This is the ONLY way to get mercy from ourselves and from God. I do not want to hurt anybody and I do not want to give an advice, but I need to react. Please just think about it. If you do not understand it, you do not want to understand it. Zsolt Tóth
> Hello Bence, > I went to school with Ciaran in > Dublin. Great. Then you can call him Ciaran, but you never attended the same school with Bence Zoltai, so please call him “Mr. Zoltai”. Thank you.
> He is a decent upstanding family > man. Nice. Here in Hungary those who do not keep their promises and/or doesn’t bear the consequences of their acts aren’t called “decent” or “upstanding”. Period.
> What happened was a tragic > accident. ... which was caused by Mr. Tobin’s negligent driving. Speeding and killing two children is a crime in every civilised country.
> What are you going to achieve by > ruining Ciaran's life??? > Nothing. It will just destroy > another good person's life. We will regain a country’s faith in justice, law and equality. And that is something, believe me.
> You say you want justice? If he > goes to jail his life (And that > of his wife and 2 children) will > be OVER. Please think about that? > Your 2 children are dead. > Nothing will bring them back. It > is simply tragic and one of the > saddest thing I can > imagine, but they are not coming > back. Yes. They are dead and the will remain dead until the end of days. But you have to understand that the story now isn’t about Marci and Petra. It’s about justice and law. Every crime must be followed by a punishment.
> You think if Ciaran goes to jail > you will have justice? Positively YES.
> That you will somehow "feel" > better? You won't. > Trust me you won't. You will > only have peace by forgiveness. Trust me we will. A whole country will feel better if Mr. Tobin goes to jail. And again: it’s not about Marci and Petra, it’s about law and justice.
> This man has suffered > unimaginable pain, > as you and your wife have, over > the last decade and he has paid > for his > mistake a 1000 times over. How? Please tell us one (1) example.
> It is time to put this to rest. It is time to put him under arrest.
> Please do not wreck this man's > life? > Please let it go now and grieve > for > your children alright but do not > ruin another 4 lives and many > more too > if the truth be known. > I ask for mercy. > "Blessed are the merciful for > they shall obtain mercy"
Where was Mr. Tobin's piety when he was driving 80 at a 40 zone, in the heart of a town?
> Yours, > Paul Sharkey. Please forgive me my poor English. Peter Zoltai
I am a friend of Ciaran Tobin for over 30 years. I visited him in Budapest many times, and at the time of the accident I went over especially to try to help and support him and his wife.
Firstly, I can imagine the pain and suffering the loss of your 2 beautiful children must have caused. My own 2 children were the exact same ages as Marci and Petra at the time of the accident. No parent should ever have to bury their child, especially so young. You and our wife have my own and everyone's deepest and heartfelt sympathy. I am sure that everyone understands why such a loss would lead you to pursue this case as you have.
I have followed this case since the very begining, from Hungary to the first hearing, then to the appeal and the request for a presidental pardon. Then we had the High Court hearing in Ireland, followed by the Supreme Court hearing, and now we have the new High Court hearing. So this is the sixth time Ciaran has had to defend himself to try to avoid going to prison.
Ciaran is a very good, kind and caring human being. I know in my own heart that he would gladly serve the prison sentence if it was to help you and your wife and family. However, although it may give you some comfort if this were to happen, it will also bring great loss to Ciaran's two Children aged 14 and 10, his wife, and also his elderly Mother.
I am sure you do not intend to bring further hurt to other children or families by this action, yet this is what will happen if he goes to jail. As it stands, it appears he would have to serve his sentence in Hungary and could only apply to be relocated to serve it in Ireland. Further, there is no guarantee that he would get remission, and so could spend 3 years in a Hungarian Prison, away from his wife, children and Mother.
Ciaran and his family have suffered enough. You are a good man I am sure. Can you imagine how you would feel if you were responsible for such an accident, how you would have to live with the burden of guilt day after day, night after night as he has done. I think Ciaran has already received a life sentence - a prison sentence would only serve to spread the sentence to his children and closest family.
We are all human, we have all driven slightly over the speed limit, have all had momentary lapses of concentration while driving only to have lucky escapes. Ciaran had his 3 year old son and his wife who was 8 months pregnant in the car when the accident happened. He was never a crazy or careless driver and would never have put his own wife and children at risk by driving carelessly. What happened that day was a freak accident, or an act of God, but not the deliberate or negligent act of someone who didn't care.
The Old Testament of the Bible taught retribution, an eye for an eye. In the New Testament, Jesus preached for forgiveness. So I would ask you to consider the above, and put yourself in Ciaran's shoes as you must know that he has put himself in your position so many times. I know this court case will have to proceed and justice will take its course. But please for your own sake, and for the other children, the other wife and grandparents, please find it in your heart to forgive him and to stop this pursuit of him.
Barna Attila killed Aoife King, an Irish student, in Budapest in October 2008. The Hungarian court made a judgement in March 2010 without notifying the lawyer representing Aoife's family. The court decided that Barna was not responsible because the girl "jumped in front of the car". This is Hungarian justice. Concerning Cuiaran Tobin, the anger of Hungarians should be directed at the Hungarian judge who returned his passport and let him leave the country. Hungarians have a persecution complex and spend their time complaining about being victims of just about every country in Europe.
I agree that Tobin should go to jail but the anger of Hungarians should also be directed at the judge who returned his passport and allowed him to leave Hungary.
And what about the case of Aoife King, a 21 year old Irish girl who was killed by a drunk driver in Budapest in 2008? The court held a hearing in March 2010 and found the driver not guilty because the girl "jumped in front of the car". The lawyer representing Aoife's family, who was not even told about the hearing or the judgement.
Both of these cases show that Hungarian justice is that of a Banana Republic.
For the record Hungary has one of the worst records in Europe for violations of human rights. Where else in Europe could a mob burn down a Roma house and shoot the family when they come running out?
Hugary is also the only country in Europe where international parental child abduction is not a crime.
I am a friend of Ciaran Tobin for over 30 years. I visited him in Budapest many times, and at the time of the accident I went over especially to try to help and support him and his wife.
Firstly, I can imagine the pain and suffering the loss of your 2 beautiful children must have caused. My own 2 children were the exact same ages as Marci and Petra at the time of the accident. No parent should ever have to bury their child, especially so young. You and our wife have my own and everyone's deepest and heartfelt sympathy. I am sure that everyone understands why such a loss would lead you to pursue this case as you have.
I have followed this case since the very begining, from Hungary to the first hearing, then to the appeal and the request for a presidental pardon. Then we had the High Court hearing in Ireland, followed by the Supreme Court hearing, and now we have the new High Court hearing. So this is the sixth time Ciaran has had to defend himself to try to avoid going to prison.
Ciaran is a very good, kind and caring human being. I know in my own heart that he would gladly serve the prison sentence if it was to help you and your wife and family. However, although it may give you some comfort if this were to happen, it will also bring great loss to Ciaran's two Children aged 14 and 10, his wife, and also his elderly Mother.
I am sure you do not intend to bring further hurt to other children or families by this action, yet this is what will happen if he goes to jail. As it stands, it appears he would have to serve his sentence in Hungary and could only apply to be relocated to serve it in Ireland. Further, there is no guarantee that he would get remission, and so could spend 3 years in a Hungarian Prison, away from his wife, children and Mother.
Ciaran and his family have suffered enough. You are a good man I am sure. Can you imagine how you would feel if you were responsible for such an accident, how you would have to live with the burden of guilt day after day, night after night as he has done. I think Ciaran has already received a life sentence - a prison sentence would only serve to spread the sentence to his children and closest family.
We are all human, we have all driven slightly over the speed limit, have all had momentary lapses of concentration while driving only to have lucky escapes. Ciaran had his 3 year old son and his wife who was 8 months pregnant in the car when the accident happened. He was never a crazy or careless driver and would never have put his own wife and children at risk by driving carelessly. What happened that day was a freak accident, or an act of God, but not the deliberate or negligent act of someone who didn't care.
The Old Testament of the Bible taught retribution, an eye for an eye. In the New Testament, Jesus preached for forgiveness. So I would ask you to consider the above, and put yourself in Ciaran's shoes as you must know that he has put himself in your position so many times. I know this court case will have to proceed and justice will take its course. But please for your own sake, and for the other children, the other wife and grandparents, please find it in your heart to forgive him and to stop this pursuit of him.
I am a mother myself, and what I think that Mr. Ciaran Tobin is simply a coward. It doesn't matter that he has a family and he is said to be a decent man, he still has to serve his sentence, what he was given. Even mass murderers and war time criminals have, and had a family and when justice finds them even 50-60 years later, they should be sentenced, because these crimes never expire.
"He was never a crazy or careless driver and would never have put his own wife and children at risk by driving carelessly. What happened that day was a freak accident, or an act of God, but not the deliberate or negligent act of someone who didn't care."
I beg to differ, Mr. Burke. C. Tobin was doing 80 km/h, way over the 50 km/h speed limit. It wasn't the act of God, it was RECKLESS driving. Keep that in mind please, before you write another heartfelt letter.
Dear Paul Sharkey. Your mail is a bad joke. If we follow your logic then one could kill an other without any consequence at any time, because punishment will not bring back the dead person anyway and there is always a good excuse to kill(I was angry, or late, or tyred or needed money..etc...blablablabla...)
Dear Irish people who are trying to protect Mr Tobin: Don't you think that people should be equalregardless of their money/power/ nationality? If you do believe in equality then Mr Tobin must be punished as everybody else would be in this case. Do you think that noone should be punished wo caused an accident and killed people because of the non respect of the speed limit???Then what would happen on the streets? How our children would be safe if every driver could do whatever they wnat without cosequences???
Dear Irish people protecting Mr Tobin, please answer to two questions: Do you think that people should be equal in front of the tribunal regardless of power/money..etc. If the answer is yes, then Mr Ciaran must go to prison as everybody else would. OR: Do you think noone should be punished because of accidents caused by the non respect of speed limit? Then what would happen on the streets if everybody could do whatever they want?? How would or children be safe??
By the way, Irish Courts would not apply a custodial sentence under the circumstances. And it can only be surmised from the Aoife King case, that Ciaran Tobin was given a Custodial Case because he was a foreigner.
The Hungarian Road Traffic Accident Investigator concluded that Mr. Tobins speed was not the cause of the accident. This is in the court transcripts for all to see.
We are not talking about a Crime here, and definately not a 'War Crime'! It was a pure and very very unfortunate accident where all involved have suffered greatly.
The basic assertion behind the words of the above letter is that Mr. Tobin is not responsible for the dead of the two young children. It is however obvious that Mr. Tobin is not innocent in this accident. This is also the position of the court who judged the case.
Anyone asking for forgiveness in this case accepts that Mr. Tobin is not innocent in the accident.
The sad truth is that Mr. Tobin's act (speeding and killing two children) has serious consequences not only to the family of the victims but it also influences the life of his own family. The fact that Mr. Tobin’s family suffers from this tragic event and may also suffer during the years in prison is again exclusively the consequence of Mr. Tobin’s behavior and therefore reveals solely his responsibility. It is simply unmoral to hold responsible any members of the family who lost two children in the accident for a judgment made by a Hungarian court in the name of Hungarian citizens. As a Hungarian citizen I approve the judgment of the court and I would also approve a similar decision made by an Irish court concerning a Hungarian citizen. This judgment has nothing to do with forgiveness or mercy, this judgment is about responsibility and I think that the judgment is absolutely fair considering Mr. Tobin’s role in the loss of two young and innocent lives since he was the driver of a car who hit the children on the foot-walk.
It is obvious to me that Mr. Tobin cannot be judged exclusively based on his undeniable responsibility in this tragic event and anyone who wants to judge Mr. Tobin as a human being should also consider his qualities as a father and as a friend and I have no reason to deny such qualities of Mr. Tobin. But again, this has very little to do with this case.
Forgiveness and impunity are very different things. The creation of courts wisely allows the separation of the right to forgive and the right to punish. The right to forgive belongs primarily to the family of those who were killed and it belongs also to Mr. Tobin’s own family suffering from the same tragic event happened 10 years ago. The right to punish goes to the court. It seems to me that Mr. Tobin and his friends try to prove innocence and they are also looking for impunity and forgiveness. This is simply impossible.
"You think that if Ciaran goes to jail you will have justice?"
I think you and I, we both believe in our constitutional states, our legal systems, and in the importance to protect our individuals in our countries with law and order. I assume we both agree on that.
My concern with your question is that you are not just asking for mercy, but you are challenging that trust and belief in law and order. May any person answer your question with "no", would express a strong mistrust in jurisdiction.
It is one thing to beg for forgiveness, and mercy, it is another to challenge the core values of our societies.
Does it mean that you can do whatever you want on the road and then blame the victims' family? What is more, you have the right to ask the grieving family to mourn peacefully and feel sorry for the person who caused the tragedy.
"Blessed are the merciful for they shall obtain mercy". It is true, but driving at a speed of 80kms per hour in a 50km per hour area is a merciless decision which can lead to a lot of suffering (for all the innocent people involved).
An answer to Mr. Paul Sharkey
ReplyDeleteFirst I thought I should answer in Hungarian, since Mr. Sharkey does not really deserve a letter in English. Please note, he did not use the mother tongue of the victims when he wrote to their father. Then, I had to concede that my answer might have more effect this way.
What an outrageous letter!
Human beings are responsible creatures. The only one which can be responsible. A man is able to foresee the potential consequences of his acts and omissions. So, a man can be liable because of this ability (and because he can act freely).In general from the point of view of equity everybody has to be responsible without any exceptions. There can not be an exception, this is my first answer to that letter.
The aim is not the revenge at all, but the protection of the society, in other word words the protection of us. The judiciary can show us that we are protected, because everybody has to take his responsibility. Irresponsible acts can lead to the demolition of the human society. Even if bearing one's responsibility can cause more suffering, it can save us from a lot more suffering indirectly in the future, since it demonstrates that there is no exception. This is my second answer.
How can we understand a situation in which someone is trying not to take the consequences although he was considered blameworthy by the courts? Why should he be an exception?
It should be wise to say sorry, the sooner the better. This is the ONLY way to get mercy from ourselves and from God.
I do not want to hurt anybody and I do not want to give an advice, but I need to react. Please just think about it. If you do not understand it, you do not want to understand it.
Zsolt Tóth
> Hello Bence,
ReplyDelete> I went to school with Ciaran in
> Dublin.
Great. Then you can call him Ciaran, but you never attended the same school with Bence Zoltai, so please call him “Mr. Zoltai”. Thank you.
> He is a decent upstanding family
> man.
Nice. Here in Hungary those who do not keep their promises and/or doesn’t bear the consequences of their acts aren’t called “decent” or “upstanding”. Period.
> What happened was a tragic
> accident.
... which was caused by Mr. Tobin’s negligent driving. Speeding and killing two children is a crime in every civilised country.
> What are you going to achieve by
> ruining Ciaran's life???
> Nothing. It will just destroy
> another good person's life.
We will regain a country’s faith in justice, law and equality. And that is something, believe me.
> You say you want justice? If he
> goes to jail his life (And that
> of his wife and 2 children) will
> be OVER. Please think about that?
> Your 2 children are dead.
> Nothing will bring them back. It
> is simply tragic and one of the
> saddest thing I can
> imagine, but they are not coming
> back.
Yes. They are dead and the will remain dead until the end of days. But you have to understand that the story now isn’t about Marci and Petra. It’s about justice and law. Every crime must be followed by a punishment.
> You think if Ciaran goes to jail
> you will have justice?
Positively YES.
> That you will somehow "feel"
> better? You won't.
> Trust me you won't. You will
> only have peace by forgiveness.
Trust me we will. A whole country will feel better if Mr. Tobin goes to jail. And again: it’s not about Marci and Petra, it’s about law and justice.
> This man has suffered
> unimaginable pain,
> as you and your wife have, over
> the last decade and he has paid
> for his
> mistake a 1000 times over.
How? Please tell us one (1) example.
> It is time to put this to rest.
It is time to put him under arrest.
> Please do not wreck this man's
> life?
> Please let it go now and grieve
> for
> your children alright but do not
> ruin another 4 lives and many
> more too
> if the truth be known.
> I ask for mercy.
> "Blessed are the merciful for
> they shall obtain mercy"
Where was Mr. Tobin's piety when he was driving 80 at a 40 zone, in the heart of a town?
> Yours,
> Paul Sharkey.
Please forgive me my poor English.
Peter Zoltai
Dear Bence,
ReplyDeleteI am a friend of Ciaran Tobin for over 30 years. I visited him in Budapest many times, and at the time of the accident I went over especially to try to help and support him and his wife.
Firstly, I can imagine the pain and suffering the loss of your 2 beautiful children must have caused. My own 2 children were the exact same ages as Marci and Petra at the time of the accident. No parent should ever have to bury their child, especially so young. You and our wife have my own and everyone's deepest and heartfelt sympathy. I am sure that everyone understands why such a loss would lead you to pursue this case as you have.
I have followed this case since the very begining, from Hungary to the first hearing, then to the appeal and the request for a presidental pardon. Then we had the High Court hearing in Ireland, followed by the Supreme Court hearing, and now we have the new High Court hearing. So this is the sixth time Ciaran has had to defend himself to try to avoid going to prison.
Ciaran is a very good, kind and caring human being. I know in my own heart that he would gladly serve the prison sentence if it was to help you and your wife and family. However, although it may give you some comfort if this were to happen, it will also bring great loss to Ciaran's two Children aged 14 and 10, his wife, and also his elderly Mother.
I am sure you do not intend to bring further hurt to other children or families by this action, yet this is what will happen if he goes to jail. As it stands, it appears he would have to serve his sentence in Hungary and could only apply to be relocated to serve it in Ireland. Further, there is no guarantee that he would get remission, and so could spend 3 years in a Hungarian Prison, away from his wife, children and Mother.
Ciaran and his family have suffered enough. You are a good man I am sure. Can you imagine how you would feel if you were responsible for such an accident, how you would have to live with the burden of guilt day after day, night after night as he has done. I think Ciaran has already received a life sentence - a prison sentence would only serve to spread the sentence to his children and closest family.
We are all human, we have all driven slightly over the speed limit, have all had momentary lapses of concentration while driving only to have lucky escapes. Ciaran had his 3 year old son and his wife who was 8 months pregnant in the car when the accident happened. He was never a crazy or careless driver and would never have put his own wife and children at risk by driving carelessly. What happened that day was a freak accident, or an act of God, but not the deliberate or negligent act of someone who didn't care.
The Old Testament of the Bible taught retribution, an eye for an eye. In the New Testament, Jesus preached for forgiveness. So I would ask you to consider the above, and put yourself in Ciaran's shoes as you must know that he has put himself in your position so many times. I know this court case will have to proceed and justice will take its course. But please for your own sake, and for the other children, the other wife and grandparents, please find it in your heart to forgive him and to stop this pursuit of him.
Yours sincerely,
Colman Burke
Történt bármi is ezzel kapcsolatban?! :-o
ReplyDeleteBarna Attila killed Aoife King, an Irish student, in Budapest in October 2008. The Hungarian court made a judgement in March 2010 without notifying the lawyer representing Aoife's family. The court decided that Barna was not responsible because the girl "jumped in front of the car". This is Hungarian justice. Concerning Cuiaran Tobin, the anger of Hungarians should be directed at the Hungarian judge who returned his passport and let him leave the country. Hungarians have a persecution complex and spend their time complaining about being victims of just about every country in Europe.
ReplyDeleteI agree that Tobin should go to jail but the anger of Hungarians should also be directed at the judge who returned his passport and allowed him to leave Hungary.
ReplyDeleteAnd what about the case of Aoife King, a 21 year old Irish girl who was killed by a drunk driver in Budapest in 2008? The court held a hearing in March 2010 and found the driver not guilty because the girl "jumped in front of the car". The lawyer representing Aoife's family, who was not even told about the hearing or the judgement.
Both of these cases show that Hungarian justice is that of a Banana Republic.
For the record Hungary has one of the worst records in Europe for violations of human rights. Where else in Europe could a mob burn down a Roma house and shoot the family when they come running out?
Hugary is also the only country in Europe where international parental child abduction is not a crime.
Dear Bence,
ReplyDeleteI am a friend of Ciaran Tobin for over 30 years. I visited him in Budapest many times, and at the time of the accident I went over especially to try to help and support him and his wife.
Firstly, I can imagine the pain and suffering the loss of your 2 beautiful children must have caused. My own 2 children were the exact same ages as Marci and Petra at the time of the accident. No parent should ever have to bury their child, especially so young. You and our wife have my own and everyone's deepest and heartfelt sympathy. I am sure that everyone understands why such a loss would lead you to pursue this case as you have.
I have followed this case since the very begining, from Hungary to the first hearing, then to the appeal and the request for a presidental pardon. Then we had the High Court hearing in Ireland, followed by the Supreme Court hearing, and now we have the new High Court hearing. So this is the sixth time Ciaran has had to defend himself to try to avoid going to prison.
Ciaran is a very good, kind and caring human being. I know in my own heart that he would gladly serve the prison sentence if it was to help you and your wife and family. However, although it may give you some comfort if this were to happen, it will also bring great loss to Ciaran's two Children aged 14 and 10, his wife, and also his elderly Mother.
I am sure you do not intend to bring further hurt to other children or families by this action, yet this is what will happen if he goes to jail. As it stands, it appears he would have to serve his sentence in Hungary and could only apply to be relocated to serve it in Ireland. Further, there is no guarantee that he would get remission, and so could spend 3 years in a Hungarian Prison, away from his wife, children and Mother.
Ciaran and his family have suffered enough. You are a good man I am sure. Can you imagine how you would feel if you were responsible for such an accident, how you would have to live with the burden of guilt day after day, night after night as he has done. I think Ciaran has already received a life sentence - a prison sentence would only serve to spread the sentence to his children and closest family.
We are all human, we have all driven slightly over the speed limit, have all had momentary lapses of concentration while driving only to have lucky escapes. Ciaran had his 3 year old son and his wife who was 8 months pregnant in the car when the accident happened. He was never a crazy or careless driver and would never have put his own wife and children at risk by driving carelessly. What happened that day was a freak accident, or an act of God, but not the deliberate or negligent act of someone who didn't care.
The Old Testament of the Bible taught retribution, an eye for an eye. In the New Testament, Jesus preached for forgiveness. So I would ask you to consider the above, and put yourself in Ciaran's shoes as you must know that he has put himself in your position so many times. I know this court case will have to proceed and justice will take its course. But please for your own sake, and for the other children, the other wife and grandparents, please find it in your heart to forgive him and to stop this pursuit of him.
Yours sincerely,
Colman Burke
I am a mother myself, and what I think that Mr. Ciaran Tobin is simply a coward. It doesn't matter that he has a family and he is said to be a decent man, he still has to serve his sentence, what he was given. Even mass murderers and war time criminals have, and had a family and when justice finds them even 50-60 years later, they should be sentenced, because these crimes never expire.
ReplyDelete"He was never a crazy or careless driver and would never have put his own wife and children at risk by driving carelessly. What happened that day was a freak accident, or an act of God, but not the deliberate or negligent act of someone who didn't care."
ReplyDeleteI beg to differ, Mr. Burke. C. Tobin was doing 80 km/h, way over the 50 km/h speed limit. It wasn't the act of God, it was RECKLESS driving. Keep that in mind please, before you write another heartfelt letter.
Dear Paul Sharkey. Your mail is a bad joke. If we follow your logic then one could kill an other without any consequence at any time, because punishment will not bring back the dead person anyway and there is always a good excuse to kill(I was angry, or late, or tyred or needed money..etc...blablablabla...)
ReplyDeleteDear Irish people here!
ReplyDeleteWhy are you addressing Bence Zoltai here? Why do you think he has ANY influence on what's happening or what will happen?
FYKI: Mr. Tobin's future is in your country's lawyers hand alone. Asking for Bence's mercy or forgiving to save Mr. Tobin's ass is TOTALLY USELESS.
But, ten years(!) after the accident is a nice try... :-/
Best regards:
Peter Zoltai
Dear Irish people who are trying to protect Mr Tobin:
ReplyDeleteDon't you think that people should be equalregardless of their money/power/ nationality? If you do believe in equality then Mr Tobin must be punished as everybody else would be in this case.
Do you think that noone should be punished wo caused an accident and killed people because of the non respect of the speed limit???Then what would happen on the streets? How our children would be safe if every driver could do whatever they wnat without cosequences???
Dear Irish people protecting Mr Tobin, please answer to two questions: Do you think that people should be equal in front of the tribunal regardless of power/money..etc. If the answer is yes, then Mr Ciaran must go to prison as everybody else would. OR: Do you think noone should be punished because of accidents caused by the non respect of speed limit? Then what would happen on the streets if everybody could do whatever they want?? How would or children be safe??
ReplyDeleteBy the way, Irish Courts would not apply a custodial sentence under the circumstances. And it can only be surmised from the Aoife King case, that Ciaran Tobin was given a Custodial Case because he was a foreigner.
ReplyDeleteDear Mother,
ReplyDeleteThe Hungarian Road Traffic Accident Investigator concluded that Mr. Tobins speed was not the cause of the accident. This is in the court transcripts for all to see.
We are not talking about a Crime here, and definately not a 'War Crime'! It was a pure and very very unfortunate accident where all involved have suffered greatly.
Why add more suffering to the innocent ?
> The Hungarian Road Traffic Accident
ReplyDelete> Investigator concluded that Mr. Tobins speed
> was not the cause of the accident.
Ahem... Do you think the accident happenned the exact same way if Mr. Tobin was driving his car according to the regulations?
Don't be ridiculous... :-/
The basic assertion behind the words of the above letter is that Mr. Tobin is not responsible for the dead of the two young children. It is however obvious that Mr. Tobin is not innocent in this accident. This is also the position of the court who judged the case.
ReplyDeleteAnyone asking for forgiveness in this case accepts that Mr. Tobin is not innocent in the accident.
The sad truth is that Mr. Tobin's act (speeding and killing two children) has serious consequences not only to the family of the victims but it also influences the life of his own family. The fact that Mr. Tobin’s family suffers from this tragic event and may also suffer during the years in prison is again exclusively the consequence of Mr. Tobin’s behavior and therefore reveals solely his responsibility. It is simply unmoral to hold responsible any members of the family who lost two children in the accident for a judgment made by a Hungarian court in the name of Hungarian citizens. As a Hungarian citizen I approve the judgment of the court and I would also approve a similar decision made by an Irish court concerning a Hungarian citizen. This judgment has nothing to do with forgiveness or mercy, this judgment is about responsibility and I think that the judgment is absolutely fair considering Mr. Tobin’s role in the loss of two young and innocent lives since he was the driver of a car who hit the children on the foot-walk.
It is obvious to me that Mr. Tobin cannot be judged exclusively based on his undeniable responsibility in this tragic event and anyone who wants to judge Mr. Tobin as a human being should also consider his qualities as a father and as a friend and I have no reason to deny such qualities of Mr. Tobin. But again, this has very little to do with this case.
Forgiveness and impunity are very different things. The creation of courts wisely allows the separation of the right to forgive and the right to punish. The right to forgive belongs primarily to the family of those who were killed and it belongs also to Mr. Tobin’s own family suffering from the same tragic event happened 10 years ago. The right to punish goes to the court. It seems to me that Mr. Tobin and his friends try to prove innocence and they are also looking for impunity and forgiveness. This is simply impossible.
"You think that if Ciaran goes to jail you will have justice?"
ReplyDeleteI think you and I, we both believe in our constitutional states, our legal systems, and in the importance to protect our individuals in our countries with law and order. I assume we both agree on that.
My concern with your question is that you are not just asking for mercy, but you are challenging that trust and belief in law and order. May any person answer your question with "no", would express a strong mistrust in jurisdiction.
It is one thing to beg for forgiveness, and mercy, it is another to challenge the core values of our societies.
Does it mean that you can do whatever you want on the road and then blame the victims' family? What is more, you have the right to ask the grieving family to mourn peacefully and feel sorry for the person who caused the tragedy.
ReplyDelete"Blessed are the merciful for they shall obtain mercy".
ReplyDeleteIt is true, but driving at a speed of 80kms per hour in a 50km per hour area is a merciless decision which can lead to a lot of suffering (for all the innocent people involved).
Question to all Irish readers:
ReplyDeleteCan you walk away free in Ireland if you run over and kill two children on the pavement?