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"I have a barrister on speed dial": judge says man who threatened to "murder" hotel staff will not face jail if he continues to make progress

Date
2016-12-16
Stage
Sentence
Primary locality
Dublin
County
Dublin

Summary

In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court case, Keith Byrne, aged 32 and with 44 prior convictions, pleaded guilty to possession of €300 worth of cannabis and to making threats to kill or seriously harm staff at Bewleys Hotel, Sandyford, on 15 February 2014. Byrne, who had threatened staff with a screwdriver and said he would "murder" them, is now in a residential rehabilitation program at New Hope in Tallaght. Judge Melanie Greally adjourned the matter to 3 October 2017, stating that if Byrne continues to make progress in treatment and engages in services, the court would consider a non‑custodial resolution. The judge noted Byrne's current rehabilitation and the possibility of a non‑custodial outcome if he maintains his progress. The case remains pending, with no jail sentence imposed at this stage.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: "I have a barrister on speed dial": judge says man who threatened to "murder" hotel staff will not face jail if he continues to make progress. Charges or matters: possession of cannabis herb valued at €300 and making threats to kill or cause serious harm to staff at Bewleys Hotel, Sandyford on February 15, 2014. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

Case subjects

Keith Byrne

Defendant

Charges: possession of cannabis herb valued at €300 and making threats to kill or cause serious harm to staff at Bewleys Hotel, Sandyford on February 15, 2014 (Admitted)

Plea: Guilty

Outcome: She adjourned the matter to October 3, 2017 on a number of conditions.

Places mentioned

Residence
Court Venue
  • Dublin
  • Dublin Circuit Criminal Court
Secondary Mention

Topics

Drugs Stage Sentence Violent Crime

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