PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) – The judge who handled the Station nightclub fire criminal cases says crime victims aren’t legal experts.

Superior Court Judge Francis Darigan says victims are focused on the pain they have suffered and aren’t in a position to tell him what sentences he should impose.

Darigan says he’s required to take into account the actual criminal charges and pleas that often force the hands of judges.

Darigan made the comments during a forum last week on the rights of crime victims as part of the centennial of the federal courthouse in Providence.

Darigan has said little publicly about the criminal proceedings.

—

Information from: The Providence Journal, http://www.projo.com/

AP-ES-02-17-08 1336EST