Courts / Cork / Report
Dutch national who threatened that "Zionists" should have their heads cut off has jail term cut on appeal
Summary
Smael Heirouche, a 39‑year‑old Dutch national of Moroccan descent, was sentenced to five years' imprisonment in 2017 for threatening to kill two French flatmates in Cork on 14 November 2016. He had threatened to kill one of his flatmates while wearing "Muslim style clothing" and carrying a copy of the Koran, and had also threatened to cut the heads off people he called "Zionists". He had previously threatened to place an explosive device on a bus in the Netherlands and had been diagnosed with schizophrenia there. On appeal, the Court of Appeal reduced his sentence to three years, with the final two years suspended, on the condition that he cooperate with medical treatment and comply with all requirements of his advisers. He is currently detained under the Mental Health Act in a Cork facility. Smael Heirouche pleaded guilty.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Dutch national who threatened that "Zionists" should have their heads cut off has jail term cut on appeal. Charges or matters: making threats to kill or cause serious harm to two French nationals at his flat on James Street, in Cork, on November 14, 2016. Procedural stage: appeal
When:
- November 14, 2016 Hearing Or Sentence
- May 31, 2017 Hearing Or Sentence
- 2018-04-09 Publication
Case subjects
Appellant
Charges: making threats to kill or cause serious harm to two French nationals at his flat on James Street, in Cork, on November 14, 2016 (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: Heirouche successfully appealed against the severity of his sentence today and he was accordingly jailed for three years on condition he cooperate with advice and comply with all requirements of his medical advisers. Mr Justice Mahon, who sat with Mr Justice Michael Peart and Mr Justice John Hedigan, quashed Heirouche's original sentence and imposed a new five year term with the final two years suspended for three years.
Places mentioned
- James Street
- Cork
- Cork Circuit Criminal Court
- Court of Appeal
Topics
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