Courts / Waterford / Report

Former National Hunt jockey has jail sentence for theft cut on appeal

Date
2017-07-31

Stage
Appeal

Court
Waterford Circuit Criminal Court

Primary locality
Waterford

Summary

Robert Widger, a 38‑year‑old former National Hunt jockey and horse trainer from Waterford, pleaded guilty to theft and possession of stolen property in September‑October 2014. He was originally sentenced to a two‑year term at Waterford Circuit Criminal Court. On appeal, the Court of Appeal reduced the custodial period to 12 months, with the remaining 12 months suspended and to run concurrently with a 12‑month sentence for theft. The judge noted that Widger had stolen six eight‑metre lighting poles from Waterford University Hospital, using a black Land Cruiser registered to him and his wife's swipe card. CCTV captured the theft, and the stolen items were recovered, including a mini‑digger, a horse box, a double trailer and building equipment. Widger, a married father of three and self‑employed in horse training, had a positive probation report citing remorse and low risk of reoffending.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Former National Hunt jockey has jail sentence for theft cut on appeal. Charges or matters: theft and possession of stolen property at Bog Road, Monamintra, on dates between September 21 and October 21, 2014. Procedural stage: appeal

When:

September 21 Incident
October 21, 2014 Incident
2017-07-31 Publication

Case subjects

Former National Hunt

Appellant

Charges: theft and possession of stolen property at Bog Road, Monamintra, on dates between September 21 and October 21, 2014 (Alleged Or Contested)

Outcome: former National Hunt jockey jailed for theft and handling stolen property has had his prison sentence cut on appeal.

Robert Widger

Appellant

Charges: theft and possession of stolen property at Bog Road, Monamintra, on dates between September 21 and October 21, 2014 (Admitted)

Plea: Guilty

Outcome: Widger successfully appealed his sentence today, with the Court of Appeal holding that a 12 month jail term would have met the objective of sentencing in this case. Mr Justice Birmingham, who sat with Mr Justice Alan Mahon and Mr Justice John Hedigan, re-sentenced Widger to two years imprisonment with the final 12 months suspended to run concurrently with a 12 month sentence for theft.