Courts / Dublin / Report

Robber sentenced over Cloverhill Prison riot

Date
2016-11-29
Stage
Sentence
Primary locality
Dublin
County
Dublin

Summary

Thomas Lennon, aged 24, was one of eight inmates who caused a riot at Cloverhill Prison on 29 July 2015. During the disturbance, a 21‑year‑old Afghan inmate was held hostage, punched, kicked and stabbed with a broken piece of Perspex, suffering superficial cuts to his face, hands and arms. Lennon was heard threatening staff and shouting, "You think Isis are bad? We are going to behead him." A female prison officer was also kicked and forced to the ground. Lennon pleaded guilty to violent disorder, false imprisonment, assault causing harm and criminal damage. He had a three‑year robbery sentence pending, set for release in May 2018, and 34 prior convictions. Judge Melanie Greally imposed a concurrent four‑and‑a‑half‑year sentence, with the final 18 months suspended on strict conditions, including good behaviour for four years.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Robber sentenced over Cloverhill Prison riot. Charges or matters: violent disorder, false imprisonment, assault causing harm and criminal damage at Cloverhill Prison on July 29, 2015. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

Why: There is no reason for this and I am sorry," said Lennon. CNI source report

Case subjects

Thomas Lennon

Defendant

Charges: violent disorder, false imprisonment, assault causing harm and criminal damage at Cloverhill Prison on July 29, 2015 (Admitted)

Plea: Guilty

Outcome: Lennon was on remand awaiting sentence for robbery at the time. Judge Melanie Greally imposed imposed concurrent sentences totalling four and half years, which she said must be consecutive to the term he is currently serving.

Places mentioned

Residence
Court Venue
  • Dublin
  • Dublin Circuit Criminal Court
Facility
  • Cloverhill Prison

Topics

Stage Sentence Theft Violent Crime

Related court reports

Read the original CNI report

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