Courts / Dublin / Report
Five appeal sentences for aggravated burglary described as "catalogue of horrors"
Summary
In 2015, seven men pleaded guilty to aggravated burglary at the Corcoran family home in south Tipperary. Five of them—Patrick Gately, Dean Byrne, John Joyce, Patrick Joyce and Thomas Flynn—received sentences ranging from 12 to 20 years, with varying suspended portions. The men appealed in 2017, arguing that the sentences were too severe. Counsel highlighted each defendant's background, remorse, and the nature of the offence, noting the presence of a machete, firearms, and threats against children. The Court of Appeal reserved judgment, with the judges acknowledging the seriousness of the crime and the impact on the Corcoran family. The appeal focused on the proportionality of the sentences and the application of remission, without addressing any subsequent outcomes. The case remains at the appellate stage.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Five appeal sentences for aggravated burglary described as "catalogue of horrors". Charges or matters: aggravated burglary. Procedural stage: appeal
When:
- November 21, 2013 Incident
- October 1, 2015 Hearing Or Sentence
- 2017-03-02 Publication
Why: He had failed to appear in court before lunch because he had been "overcome with anxiety", the court was told. CNI source report
Case subjects
Appellant
Charges: aggravated burglary (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: Sentences of 20 years imprisonment with the final four suspended were handed down to Gately and Dean Byrne All five men brought appeals against the severity of their sentences in the Court of Appeal today, where the three-judge court reserved judgement.; reserved judgement
Appellant
Charges: aggravated burglary (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: John Joyce was sentenced to 15 years imprisonment with the final four suspended All five men brought appeals against the severity of their sentences in the Court of Appeal today, where the three-judge court reserved judgement.; reserved judgement
Appellant
Charges: aggravated burglary (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: Sentences of 20 years imprisonment with the final four suspended were handed down to Gately and Dean Byrne All five men brought appeals against the severity of their sentences in the Court of Appeal today, where the three-judge court reserved judgement.; reserved judgement
Appellant
Charges: aggravated burglary (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: Patrick Joyce was sentenced to 14 years imprisonment with the final four suspended All five men brought appeals against the severity of their sentences in the Court of Appeal today, where the three-judge court reserved judgement.; reserved judgement
Appellant
Charges: aggravated burglary (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: Thomas Flynn received a 12 year sentence made consecutive to a sentence already being served All five men brought appeals against the severity of their sentences in the Court of Appeal today, where the three-judge court reserved judgement.; reserved judgement
Places mentioned
- Cabra Park
- Dublin
- Moatview Avenue
- Clonmel
- Clonmel Circuit Criminal Court
- Court of Appeal
Topics
Related court reports
- Man charged with having 56k child abuse images and videos remanded on bail
- Ex-Dáil hopeful's allegations against former employer 'complete fantasy', WRC told
- Mater must pay €10k to worker who said he was wrongly accused of abusing patient
- 'I think we know I won't be getting bail' - Daniel Kinahan charged with directing criminal organisation
- Letting agent who claimed alleged domestic violence victim abandoned tenancy by fleeing to refuge must pay €14.7k
- 77-year-old with 470 convictions told Luas staff to 'f**k off'
If a fact, identity, locality or legal outcome needs review, email the newsroom with this report's details prefilled.
Email a correction request