The remarks came during the sentencing of Sifoso Mpobole (39), of Alverno Drive, Willow Park, Athlone, Co Westmeath.

Simon Harris said prison capacity should not be a factor in determining sentencing or granting of bail.

According to the research – which closely examined the Australian legal system and its history with capital punishment – the death penalty had a deterrent effect on homicides, resulting in an estimated 7.6 percent reduction in the crime.

Homeless people accounted for almost one in 10 of all convicted persons sent to prison last year, according to new figures published by the Irish Prison Service