Courts / Carlow / Report

Post office raider has jail sentence increased after DPP appeal

Summary

Keith Chrystal, aged 28, was convicted at Carlow Circuit Criminal Court for robbery, assault causing harm, possession of an imitation firearm, unlawful use of a vehicle and criminal damage following a raid on Leighlinbridge Post Office on 3 March 2016. He pleaded guilty and was originally sentenced to an effective two‑and‑a‑half‑year term by Judge Carmel Doyle on 20 July 2016. The Director of Public Prosecutions appealed, arguing the sentence was unduly lenient. In the Court of Appeal, Mr Justice John Edwards re‑sentenced Chrystal to an effective four‑year term, with the final six months suspended. The appeal was based on the judge's assessment that the discounts for the guilty plea and mitigating circumstances were excessive. The case involved a robbery that stole €6,856, the use of an imitation firearm, a hammer, a stolen car, and the assault of Postmaster Art O'Connor, who was struck on the head during the incident.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Post office raider has jail sentence increased after DPP appeal. Charges or matters: robbery, assault causing harm, possession of an imitation firearm, unlawful use of a vehicle and criminal damage arising out of an incident at Leighlinbridge Post Office on March 3, 2016. Procedural stage: appeal

When:

• March 3, 2016 Incident
• July 20, 2016 Incident
• 2017-06-19 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Appeal Theft Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report