Courts / Kildare / Report

Man who gave partner "merciless beating" and abducted child has prison sentence increased

Date
2019-01-14
Stage
Appeal
Primary locality
Naas
County
Kildare

Summary

Patrick Lynch, 38, was found guilty of assaulting his partner and abducting her two‑year‑old son on 7 November 2016. He was originally sentenced to two years' imprisonment with six months suspended. The Director of Public Prosecutions applied for a review, arguing the sentence was unduly lenient. The Court of Appeal, in a three‑judge panel, increased the sentence to three years' imprisonment with nine months suspended. Lynch had spent much of the day drinking outside a dwelling while his partner and the infant were inside. He attacked the partner with a brush handle, punched her in the face, rammed a toilet door with his shoulder and assaulted her while she sat on the toilet. He later drove away with the infant, who was handed over to Gardaí at or near Naas Courthouse. Lynch has 148 previous convictions, including violent disorder, burglary and robbery, and more than 100 road‑traffic convictions. Patrick Lynch pleaded not guilty.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Man who gave partner "merciless beating" and abducted child has prison sentence increased. Charges or matters: assaulting his partner as well as the abduction of a child at locations in the county on November 7, 2016. Procedural stage: appeal. Findings: Found guilty

When:

Case subjects

Patrick Lynch

Convicted Person

Charges: assaulting his partner as well as the abduction of a child at locations in the county on November 7, 2016 (Proven)

Plea: Not guilty

Finding: Found guilty

Outcome: Found guilty; He was found guilty by a jury and sentenced to two years imprisonment with the final six months suspended by Judge Seán Ó Donnabháin on April 17, 2018. Mr Justice Birmingham, who sat with Mr Justice John Edwards and Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy, re-sentenced Lynch to three years imprisonment with the final nine months suspended.

Places mentioned

Court Venue
  • Court of Appeal
Residence
Facility

Topics

Burglary Stage Appeal Theft Violent Crime

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