Courts / Dublin / Report

Anthony Lyons will "always be notorious", appeal court hears

Date
2014-05-29
Stage
Appeal
Primary locality
Dublin
County
Dublin

Summary

The Court of Criminal Appeal has adjourned a re-hearing of an appeal against the undue leniency of a sentence imposed on businessman Anthony Lyons. Lyons, 53, was convicted at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court of attacking and sexually assaulting a then 27-year-old woman in October 2010. He had pleaded not guilty to the charges. In July 2012, Judge Desmond Hogan sentenced him to six years' imprisonment, with five-and-a-half years suspended, and ordered him to pay €75,000 in compensation. The Director of Public Prosecution submitted that this sentence was unduly lenient, arguing the suspension failed to reflect the gravity of the offence and its impact on the victim and society. Counsel for Lyons, Mr Patrick Gageby SC, countered that the consequences of the conviction, including significant reputational damage and media scrutiny, were severe. He stated that Lyons would "always be notorious" and highlighted the impact on his family and business. The court, noting the complexity of the matter, reserved its judgment. Mr Justice Murray indicated that the decision would be notified to all parties during the next court term, which begins on June 18. The matter remains pending and has not been finalised.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Anthony Lyons will "always be notorious", appeal court hears. Charges or matters: attacking and sexually assaulting a then 27-year-old woman in the early hours of the morning of October 3, 2010. Procedural stage: appeal

When:

Why: He said the consequences of conviction were "very large for somebody like Mr Lyons", adding that because of the custodial element of the sentence the issue of individual deterrence had been addressed. CNI source report

Case subjects

Businessman Anthony Lyons

Appellant

Charges: attacking and sexually assaulting a then 27-year-old woman in the early hours of the morning of October 3, 2010 (Alleged Or Contested)

Outcome: The three-judge court today heard submissions in a re-hearing of an appeal against the undue leniency of a sentence of six years with five-and-a-half years suspended imposed on Lyons (53) by Judge Desmond Hogan in July 2012. Counsel for the State, Ms Caroline Biggs SC, today told the appeal court it was the Director of Public Prosecution's submission that the sentence imposed was on Lyons "unduly lenient" in all the circumstances.

Places mentioned

Residence
  • Griffith Avenue
Secondary Mention
Court Venue
  • Dublin
  • Dublin Circuit Criminal Court
Facility
  • Lyons' house

Topics

Stage Appeal

Related court reports

Read the original CNI report

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