2020-11-24
Attacker appeals sentence for unprovoked, vicious assault on passer-by
Stage: Appeal
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: Judge Thomas Teehan sentenced him to 12 years in prison, with the final four suspended. O'Sullivan's barrister, John O'Dwyer BL, submitted that the sentence imposed was too high. "It is abundantly clear that he perpetrated a prolonged and vicious assault on Mr Lonergan, which had a profound effect on his life," he said. "Notwithstanding that Mr Lonergan was the innocent victim of a brutal and unprovoked attack, we submit that the sentence was too high," said counsel, pointing to previous cases dealt with by the courts.