Courts / Limerick / Report
DPP seeks increased sentences for "fatal" burglary at 62-year-old's home
Summary
Prosecutors seek a review of the sentences imposed on cousins Michael Casey (34) and David Casey (22) for a series of burglaries, including a fatal burglary at John O'Donoghue's home in Doon on 27 August 2015. The men pleaded guilty and were sentenced by Judge Tom O'Donnell at Limerick Circuit Criminal Court to four-and-a-half years' imprisonment, with the final year suspended. The DPP argues the sentence was unduly lenient, citing the death of Mr O'Donoghue, the trauma to his sister, and the aggravated nature of the burglary spree. Counsel for the DPP highlighted the inherent risk of residential burglary and the need for a headline sentence that reflects the harm caused. The Court of Appeal reserved its judgment, while counsel for the defendants argued the suspended year was justified and that the defendants had shown remorse and personal difficulties. The case remains pending.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: DPP seeks increased sentences for "fatal" burglary at 62-year-old's home. Charges or matters: a series of burglaries, including one at the home of John O'Donoghue at Toomaline, Doon, on August 27, 2015. Procedural stage: appeal
When:
- August 27, 2015 Incident
- December 15, 2016 Hearing Or Sentence
- 2017-12-14 Publication
Why: " Mr O'Malley said it was important to clarify that these were dwellings because of the constitutional protection that is afforded to the dwelling. CNI source report
Case subjects
Convicted Person
Charges: a series of burglaries, including one at the home of John O'Donoghue at Toomaline, Doon, on August 27, 2015 (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: Judge Tom O'Donnell sentenced both men at Limerick Circuit Criminal Court to four-and-a-half years imprisonment with the final year suspended on December 15, 2016. Counsel for Michael Casey, Vincent Heneghan SC, said the final year of the sentences were suspended on condition both cousins be of good behaviour for six years from the date of sentence.; Mr Heneghan said the Circuit Court judge did not hand sentence down "there and then" but adjourned the case to consider all aspects.
Convicted Person
Charges: a series of burglaries, including one at the home of John O'Donoghue at Toomaline, Doon, on August 27, 2015 (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: Judge Tom O'Donnell sentenced both men at Limerick Circuit Criminal Court to four-and-a-half years imprisonment with the final year suspended on December 15, 2016. Counsel for Michael Casey, Vincent Heneghan SC, said the final year of the sentences were suspended on condition both cousins be of good behaviour for six years from the date of sentence.; Mr Heneghan said the Circuit Court judge did not hand sentence down "there and then" but adjourned the case to consider all aspects.
Places mentioned
- Limerick
- Limerick Circuit Criminal Court
- Court of Appeal
- Irish Prison
Topics
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