Pearse McAuley has jail sentence increased for "horrifying" attack on wife

A man from Ballyconnell, County Cavan, has had his prison sentence increased by the Court of Appeal following a review by the Director of Public Prosecutions. Pearse McAuley, aged 50, pleaded guilty to serious assault and false imprisonment of his estranged wife at their former home in Kilnaleck on Christmas Eve 2014. The initial sentence imposed at Cavan Circuit Criminal Court in December 2015 was twelve years with the final four suspended. The Court of Appeal found the effective eight-year term unduly lenient. The three-judge court re-sentenced McAuley to twelve years with the final two years suspended. The court heard the assault lasted approximately four hours in the presence of two young children, involved a steak knife and caused significant injuries. McAuley was required to enter into a fresh good behaviour bond for the suspended period.