Court archive
Portloaise Circuit Criminal Court
2017-03-09 · Dublin
Michael Martin, aged 37, was sentenced to 13 years for falsely imprisoning an 11‑year‑old girl he lifted from a green area near her home in Co. Laois. He was found guilty on 4 March 2015 and originally received a 17‑year term with the last four years suspended. On appeal the Court of Appeal deemed the sentence excessive and re‑sentenced him to 14 years, suspending the final three years for five years. The appeal judge noted the girl was physically lifted into a silver Nissan and that her ten‑year‑old brother's quick action prevented a more serious outcome. Martin had 92 prior convictions, including sexual assault and abduction, and pleaded guilty. He was required to enter a five‑year good‑behaviour bond after release. The court emphasised the gravity of the offence and the need to protect children.
2017-01-20 · Dublin
Michael Martin, aged 37, was convicted of false imprisonment of an 11‑year‑old girl who was lifted from a green area near her hall door in Oldtown, Cullohill, Co. Laois on 4 March 2015. He pleaded guilty and was sentenced by Judge Keenan Johnson at Portlaoise Circuit Criminal Court to 17 years' imprisonment, with the final four years suspended, on 5 November 2015. Martin has now filed an appeal arguing that the sentence was overly punitive, disproportionate to the circumstances, and that the judge placed too much emphasis on aggravating factors and insufficiently on mitigating factors. His barrister, Kevin White BL, also contended that the judge erred in holding Martin failed to fully cooperate with the Gardai and that the judge's emphasis on protecting society was inappropriate. The appeal is pending before the Court of Appeal. The case remains at the sentencing stage, with no further verdict or outcome reported.
2016-12-12 · Dublin
Michael Martin, 37, was convicted of false imprisonment of an 11‑year‑old girl near Oldtown, Cullohill, Co. Laois, and sentenced by Judge Keenan Johnson at Portlaoise Circuit Criminal Court to 17 years' imprisonment, with the final four years suspended. The sentencing took place on 5 November 2015. Martin has lodged an appeal against the severity of the sentence. In the Court of Appeal, Mr Justice George Birmingham set a hearing for 20 January, but Martin was not present for the procedural matter. Michael Martin pleaded guilty.