Courts / Tipperary / Report

Sentence for aimlessly throwing pitchfork is cut on appeal

Date
2018-10-25
Stage
Appeal
Primary locality
Roscrea
County
Tipperary

Summary

Stephen Brophy, aged 27, pleaded guilty to violent disorder and assault causing harm in Ashbury View, Roscrea, during a feud between the McCarthy/O'Donoghues and the Hutchinson/Marshalls. He had thrown a pitchfork that bounced and struck a woman, Sharon McCarthy, on the lips, causing a scar and requiring surgery. The original sentence of seven years, with two years suspended, was quashed on appeal. He was re‑sentenced to four years for violent disorder (two years suspended) and three years for the assault (12 months suspended), with both terms running concurrently. Brophy must remain in good behaviour for two years after release and may not approach a McCarthy family member unless invited or in a friendly manner. The appeal was granted by Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy, with the Court of Appeal hearing the case.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Sentence for aimlessly throwing pitchfork is cut on appeal. Charges or matters: violent disorder and assault causing harm at Ashbury View, Roscrea, on a number of dates in 2015. Procedural stage: appeal

When:

Case subjects

Stephen Brophy

Convicted Person

Charges: violent disorder and assault causing harm at Ashbury View, Roscrea, on a number of dates in 2015 (Admitted)

Plea: Guilty

Outcome: Judge Thomas Teehan sentenced Brophy to seven years imprisonment with the final two years suspended on condition he keep the peace for seven years post release and not approach a member of the McCarthy family unless expressly invited or in a friendly manner. Brophy successfully appealed his sentence today and he was accordingly jailed for two years.

Places mentioned

Incident
Court Venue
  • Nenagh
  • Nenagh Circuit Criminal Court
  • Court of Appeal
Secondary Mention

Topics

Stage Appeal Violent Crime

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