Courts / Cork / Report
"Hit and run" thief's dangerous driving led to infant's fractured skull
Summary
Shane Murphy, 31, of Cork, pleaded guilty to two thefts and dangerous driving that caused serious harm to a six‑month‑old baby on Blackrock Road in March 2017. The baby's skull was fractured after the mother was knocked to the ground and the buggy was swept against a wall. Murphy, the driver, fled the scene after retrieving stolen items and had previously stolen from two retail stores. He was sentenced to six years' imprisonment with the final year suspended, a sentence upheld by the Court of Appeal. The judge noted Murphy's 104 prior convictions, including two hit‑and‑run offences, his intoxication, disqualification, and the aggravating circumstances. The appeal was dismissed, confirming the original sentence. The baby continued treatment at the time of sentencing.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: "Hit and run" thief's dangerous driving led to infant's fractured skull. Charges or matters: two counts of theft as well as dangerous driving causing serious harm on the Blackrock Road, Ballintemple in the city on March 8, 2017. Procedural stage: appeal
When:
- March 8, 2017 Hearing Or Sentence
- October 24, 2017 Hearing Or Sentence
- 2018-11-27 Publication
Case subjects
Appellant
Charges: two counts of theft as well as dangerous driving causing serious harm on the Blackrock Road, Ballintemple in the city on March 8, 2017 (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: He was sentenced at Cork Circuit Criminal Court to six years imprisonment with the final year suspended by Judge Gerard O'Brien on October 24, 2017. However, given the mitigating factors that were present, combined with Murphy's particularly early guilty plea, Ms Justice Kennedy said the overall sentence would ultimately have been the same.; His solicitor had contacted the gardaí early to indicate Murphy's intention to plead guilty and he himself wrote a letter from Cork Prison a week after he was remanded in custody.
Places mentioned
- Comeragh Park
- Cork
- Cork Circuit Criminal Court
- Court of Appeal
- Cork
- Cork Prison
Topics
Road Traffic Stage Appeal Theft
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