Courts / Ireland / Report
Eight-year jail sentence for man who tried to murder his four children
Summary
In October 2018, a man was sentenced to eight years in prison for attempting to murder his four children. The Central Criminal Court imposed a 12‑year sentence, suspending the final four years on conditions. The judge described the crime as having a narcissistic element, noting the defendant's plan to kill himself after strangling his children and his belief that they would be better off dead. He pleaded guilty to the attempted murders committed at the family home on 3 June 2016. The judge considered victim impact statements, reports from Tusla, a psychotherapist, and the defendant's psychiatric history, including depression, social phobia and substance abuse. The suspended portion required the defendant to have no contact with the children unless requested, attend psychiatric reports, take prescribed medication and remain under probation supervision. The sentence was back‑dated to account for time already spent in custody. The mother attended the hearing but made no further comments.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Eight-year jail sentence for man who tried to murder his four children. Charges or matters: the attempted murder of his children at the family home on June 3, 2016, with one child telling him: 'Daddy we can get you help, just don't do it'. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- June 3, 2016 Hearing Or Sentence
- 2018-10-17 Publication
Why: Regarding the attempted murderer, he considered a medical report from his family GP, some 24 character references by friends, neighbours and community activists, along with a positive prison governor's report He explained that the sentence should take rehabilitation into consideration, and had to consider if sentences should be imposed concurrently or consecutively. CNI source report
Case subjects
Convicted Person
Charges: the attempted murder of his children at the family home on June 3, 2016, with one child telling him: 'Daddy we can get you help, just don't do it' (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: The Central Criminal Court imposed a 12-year sentence but suspended the final four years on a number of conditions. The proudest moment of my life was the birth of my kids and they still continue to make me proud every day." Mr Justice White yesterday imposed a 12-year sentence with the final four suspended for four years.
Places mentioned
- The Central Criminal Court
Topics
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