Courts / Dublin / Report
Former Sinn Fein Councillor appeals jail sentence for false imprisonment and "torture"
Summary
Jonathan Dowdall, aged 39, and his father Patrick Dowdall, aged 62, were sentenced by the Special Criminal Court to 12 and 8 years respectively for the false imprisonment and torture of Alexander Hurley on 15 January 2015. Video evidence showed Jonathan wearing a balaclava, holding a tea‑towel over Hurley's face and pouring water on him, while Patrick threatened to pull off Hurley's fingers with pliers. Both pleaded guilty. The Dowdalls have lodged appeals in the Court of Appeal, where judgment has been reserved. The court's decision was based on the video footage and the defendants' admissions, with counsel for the Dowdalls arguing mitigating circumstances such as financial distress and mental health issues. The appeal will be heard in April, with the court's judgment pending.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Former Sinn Fein Councillor appeals jail sentence for false imprisonment and "torture". Charges or matters: falsely imprisoning Alexander Hurley and threatening to kill him at Jonathan's family home on January 15th, 2015. Procedural stage: appeal
When:
- January 15th, 2015 Hearing Or Sentence
- June 1, 2017 Incident
- January 12th 2015 Hearing Or Sentence
- 2018-03-22 Publication
Why: He said it was an unusual sentence because very few of these types of cases come before the courts. CNI source report
Case subjects
Convicted Person
Charges: falsely imprisoning Alexander Hurley and threatening to kill him at Jonathan's family home on January 15th, 2015 (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: Jonathan Dowdall was sentenced to 12 years imprisonment while
Defendant
Charges: falsely imprisoning Alexander Hurley and threatening to kill him at Jonathan's family home on January 15th, 2015 (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Places mentioned
- Navan Road
- Special Criminal Court
- Court of Appeal
- Jonathan Dowdall's house
Topics
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