Courts / Limerick / Report
Man jailed for kidnapping post mistress' son must await appeal fate
Summary
Zachary Coughlan Ryan, 38, of Brennan's Row, Catherine Place, was convicted in Limerick Circuit Criminal Court for the kidnapping of Stephen Cusack, 19, and Niall Reddan, 21, on 19 August 2012. The pair were held at Caisleann na hAbhainn, Castletroy, gagged, hand‑bound with cable ties and transported in a pick‑up truck to a location. Ryan was found guilty by a jury and sentenced to eight years and three months' imprisonment on 28 January 2014. He has now lodged an appeal, arguing that a comment he made before the jury about having been jailed twice was "unfortunate" and that the trial judge's directions on visual identification were inadequate. Counsel Michael O'Higgins SC highlighted that the kidnapping was intended as a lever for a robbery, citing the victim's mother's post office employment. Judge Alan Mahon, joined by Judges John Edwards and John Hedigan, has reserved judgment on the appeal. Zachary Coughlan Ryan pleaded not guilty.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Man jailed for kidnapping post mistress' son must await appeal fate. Charges or matters: falsely imprisoning Stephen Cusack (19) and Niall Reddan (21) at Caisleann na hAbhainn, Castletroy on August 19, 2012. Procedural stage: appeal. Findings: Found guilty
When:
- August 19, 2012 Hearing Or Sentence
- January 28, 2014 Hearing Or Sentence
- 2017-02-27 Publication
Case subjects
Appellant
Charges: falsely imprisoning Stephen Cusack (19) and Niall Reddan (21) at Caisleann na hAbhainn, Castletroy on August 19, 2012 (Proven)
Plea: Not guilty
Finding: Found guilty
Outcome: Found guilty; He was found guilty by a jury and sentenced to eight years and three months imprisonment by Judge Carroll Moran on January 28, 2014.
Places mentioned
Topics
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