2015-03-20
Clare man who twice robbed pensioner, causing him to cycle 30 miles to nursing home in terror, may avoid jail for second time
Stage: Appeal
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: On March 3 2014, Judge Carroll Moran at Ennis Circuit Criminal Court gave Lernihan an entirely suspended three-year sentence, ordered him to pay €3,780 compensation and ordered that a Volkswagen Passat he purchased with the proceeds of his crime be forfeited. The Director of Public Prosecution appealed Lernihan's sentence on grounds that it was unduly lenient and while the Court of Appeal found the trial judge had erred, the court put the matter back one week to assess his suitability for community service.; The matter was put back until next Thursday for the purpose of assessing his suitability for community service.