Courts / Dublin / Report

Father who threatened to kill children's grandparents avoids jail

Summary

Gavin O'Reilly, 36, was given a two‑and‑a‑half‑year suspended sentence after he drove a jeep in front of John and Amanda Martin's car, stopped, took an axe from the vehicle and swung it over the Martins' heads, threatening to kill them. O'Reilly had previously been in a relationship with the Martins' daughter and had two children with her. He pleaded guilty to threatening to kill Mr. Martin in Deansgrange on 13 February 2017. He had one prior conviction for possession of drugs. The court heard that the Martins were left traumatised, with their wife losing confidence in going out alone and their daughter experiencing anxiety at school. O'Reilly's actions were described as reprehensible and unjustified, and the judge suspended the custodial term on the condition that he does not contact the Martins.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Father who threatened to kill children's grandparents avoids jail. Charges or matters: threatening to kill Mr Martin in Deansgrange on February 13, 2017. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

• February 13, 2017 Incident
• 2018-03-13 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Drugs Stage Sentence

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Read the original CNI report