Courts / Wexford / Report

DPP appeals 2.5-year jail term for man who killed partner's ex-husband

Summary

David Shanley, aged 48, was convicted of manslaughter for killing John Lawlor, also 48, who died from a knife wound to a varicose vein after a confrontation on Christmas Eve 2014. Shanley pleaded guilty and was sentenced by Mr Justice Paul Butler on 24 October 2016 to five years' imprisonment, with the final two‑and‑a‑half years suspended. The judge noted Lawlor was a "much loved son, brother, father and grandfather" and that Shanley had accepted responsibility, though he had initially tried to deflect it by claiming the struggle was a "fight for survival". Shanley's sentence is now under appeal by the Director of Public Prosecutions, who argue the tariff is unduly lenient and the 50 % mitigating discount too high. The Court of Appeal has reserved judgment on the appeal. The case remains at the appeal stage, with no further outcome reported.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: DPP appeals 2.5-year jail term for man who killed partner's ex-husband. Charges or matters: the manslaughter of John Lawlor (48) who bled to death at his house at Ballintray Lower, in Gorey on Christmas Eve 2014. Procedural stage: appeal

When:

• October 24, 2016 Other
• Christmas Eve Other
• Christmas Eve 2014 Other
• 2017-12-07 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Appeal Violent Crime

Related court reports

• Brian Grendon to face non-jury trial for directing criminal gang
• Paedophile caught with violent child abuse material fails to have sentence reduced
• Addict jailed after being caught with €330k worth of cannabis following traffic stop
• Use of mobile phone while driving led to €330,000 cannabis seizure
• 'It only took him six weeks to destroy me': criminal who beat, raped and coercively controlled partner to remain in prison after appeal rejected
• Polish man challenges garda to 'lie detector' test in alleged discrimination case

Read the original CNI report