Courts / Cork / Report
State appeals "undue leniency" of sentences imposed on men for serious assault
Summary
Two Cork men, Jamie O'Brien, aged 20, and Eddie Murphy, aged 26, pleaded guilty to assault causing serious harm and robbery on Mark Lahive in April 2015. Judge David Riordan sentenced Murphy to eight‑and‑a‑half years, with 18 months suspended, and O'Brien to six years, with one year suspended, on 20 November 2015. The Director of Public Prosecutions has appealed, arguing the sentences were unduly lenient. The Court of Appeal, a three‑judge panel, has reserved judgment. During the hearing, counsel highlighted the severity of the assault, the victims' lifelong injuries, and the defendants' admissions and remorse. The court will decide whether to increase the sentences after the appeal is considered.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: State appeals "undue leniency" of sentences imposed on men for serious assault. Charges or matters: assault causing serious harm to Mark Lahive at Exchange Business Park, John F Connolly Road, Churchfield in Cork on April 28, 2015; robbery on the same occasion. Procedural stage: appeal
When:
- April 28, 2015 Incident
- November 20, 2015 Hearing Or Sentence
- 2017-01-26 Publication
Case subjects
Convicted Person
Charges: assault causing serious harm to Mark Lahive at Exchange Business Park, John F Connolly Road, Churchfield in Cork on April 28, 2015; robbery on the same occasion (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: Judge David Riordan sentenced Murphy at Cork Circuit Criminal Court to eight-and-a-half years imprisonment with the final 18 months suspended and O'Brien to six years imprisonment with the final year suspended on November 20, 2015.
Convicted Person
Charges: assault causing serious harm to Mark Lahive at Exchange Business Park, John F Connolly Road, Churchfield in Cork on April 28, 2015; robbery on the same occasion (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: Judge David Riordan sentenced Murphy at Cork Circuit Criminal Court to eight-and-a-half years imprisonment with the final 18 months suspended and O'Brien to six years imprisonment with the final year suspended on November 20, 2015.
Places mentioned
- Cork
- Exchange Business Park
- John F Connolly Road
- Kilmore Road
- Cork
- Cork Circuit Criminal Court
- Court of Appeal
Topics
Stage Appeal Theft Violent Crime
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