Courts / Dublin / Report

DPP appeals man's sentence for attack and false imprisonment of teens

Date
2018-12-18
Stage
Appeal
Primary locality
Swords
County
Dublin

Summary

The Court of Appeal has adjourned the matter, reserving its judgment on an appeal by the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) against the sentence imposed on Michael Cummins. Cummins, a 32-year-old man from Swords with 230 previous convictions, pleaded guilty to stealing an iPhone, making a threat to kill, burglary, false imprisonment, and assault in Swords on August 9, 2017. He was sentenced to two years' imprisonment by Judge Martin Nolan on February 27, 2018. The DPP is seeking a review of this sentence on the grounds that it was "unduly lenient." During the appeal hearing, counsel for the DPP, Maurice Coffey BL, highlighted the "bizarreness" of the incident and questioned how aggravating and mitigating factors were balanced, noting that the sentencing judge had not indicated a headline sentence. The three-judge panel, presided over by Mr Justice George Birmingham with Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy and Ms Justice Isobel Kennedy, heard the arguments and reserved its judgment. Consequently, the matter was adjourned, and Cummins must wait to hear whether his two-year jail term will be increased.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: DPP appeals man's sentence for attack and false imprisonment of teens. Charges or matters: stealing an iPhone, making a threat to kill, burglary, false imprisonment and assault in Swords on August 9, 2017. Procedural stage: appeal

When:

Case subjects

Michael Cummins

Defendant

Charges: stealing an iPhone, making a threat to kill, burglary, false imprisonment and assault in Swords on August 9, 2017 (Admitted)

Plea: Guilty

Outcome: He was sentenced to two years imprisonment by Judge Martin Nolan on February 27, 2018. The Director of Public Prosecutions is seeking a review of Cummins' sentence on grounds it was "unduly lenient".

Places mentioned

Secondary Mention
Court Venue
  • Court of Appeal
  • Dublin
  • Dublin Circuit Criminal Court
Residence
Incident

Topics

Burglary Stage Appeal Theft Violent Crime

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