Courts / Wexford / Report
Man who killed his partner's ex-husband has jail sentence increased
Summary
David Shanley, aged 48, was originally sentenced to five years' imprisonment for the manslaughter of John Lawlor, also 48, who died after a lower‑leg stab on Christmas Eve 2014. The sentence, with 2½ years suspended, was increased to six‑and‑a‑half years with three years suspended following an appeal by the Director of Public Prosecutions. Shanley had pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter, and the Court of Appeal found the original sentence "unduly lenient." The case involved a dispute over a 10‑year‑old daughter, menacing text messages, and a confrontation at Lawlor's home where Shanley entered with a knife. Lawlor was struck in the lower leg, a wound that caused massive blood loss and death. Shanley accepted responsibility and was required to enter a good‑behaviour bond for the suspended period. The final sentence was imposed by a three‑judge court, including Mr Justice Alan Mahon.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Man who killed his partner's ex-husband has jail sentence increased. Charges or matters: murder but guilty to manslaughter and this plea was accepted by the Director of Public Prosecutions. Procedural stage: appeal
When:
- October 24, 2016 Other
- Christmas Eve Other
- Christmas Eve 2014 Other
- Christmas Other
- 2017-12-21 Publication
Case subjects
Convicted Person
Charges: murder but guilty to manslaughter and this plea was accepted by the Director of Public Prosecutions (Alleged Or Contested)
Plea: Not guilty
Outcome: He was sentenced to five years imprisonment with the final two-and-a-half years suspended by Mr Justice Paul Butler on October 24, 2016. He was accordingly sentenced to six-and-a-half years imprisonment with the final three suspended.
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