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"One punch" killer has jail sentence cut by a third on appeal

Summary

Charles Hutchinson, aged 34, was convicted of unlawfully killing Lawrence 'Michael' McGeown, aged 60, after striking him with a single punch to the side of the head on 28 February 2014. The death occurred three days later. Hutchinson was found guilty by a jury at Dundalk Circuit Criminal Court and originally sentenced to seven years' imprisonment, with the final year suspended. On appeal, the Court of Appeal held that the inclusion of Hutchinson's 2010 section 3 assault conviction had improperly increased the headline sentence. The appeal judge re‑sentenced him to five years' imprisonment, again with the final year suspended. Hutchinson's prior convictions included assault, public order offences, criminal damage, dangerous driving, unauthorised taking and interference, and he had a history of alcohol addiction and poor employment. The appeal judge noted that the single punch was not of particular force and that the deceased had health issues, but that there was no provocation or justification for the assault. Charles Hutchinson pleaded not guilty.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: "One punch" killer has jail sentence cut by a third on appeal. Charges or matters: the unlawful killing of Lawrence 'Michael' McGeown (60) who died on March 6, 2014, six days after an incident at Fagan's pub, Dundalk. Procedural stage: appeal. Findings: Found guilty

When:

• March 6, 2014 Incident
• February 8, 2016 Incident
• February 28, 2014 Hearing Or Sentence
• March 1 Incident
• March 3 Incident
• 2017-05-12 Publication

Why: In recognition of this and in order to incentivise further rehabilitation, the court suspended the final 12 months leaving him with a sentence of five years imprisonment with the final year suspended. CNI source report

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Public Order Road Traffic Stage Appeal Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report