Courts / Dublin / Report
Men appeal convictions for violent rural burglaries
Summary
Three men—Patrick Roche (54), his son Philip Roche (25), and son‑in‑law Alan Freeman (38)—have lodged appeals against convictions for violent burglaries committed in rural County Limerick seven years ago. The convictions, obtained at the Limerick Circuit Criminal Court, stem from two separate incidents. In May 2012, the Roches broke into the isolated home of elderly siblings Willie, Nora, and Chrissie Creed near Pallasgreen, tied them up, assaulted them, and stole €5,000. Six weeks earlier, the trio had broken into the Garvey family home, tied up Mr and Mrs Garvey and their four children, threatened Mr Garvey with a gun, and fled with cash. Patrick Roche received a 17‑year sentence, Philip 15 years, and Freeman 14 years, each with a three‑year suspended portion. The appeals cite alleged errors in jury instructions, the legality of the arrests and detentions, and the admissibility of evidence. The case will be heard tomorrow by the Court of Appeal.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Men appeal convictions for violent rural burglaries. Charges or matters: aggravated burglary; false imprisonment. Procedural stage: appeal
When:
- May 2012 Hearing Or Sentence
- November 14, 2017 Hearing Or Sentence
- 2019-05-09 Publication
Why: Counsel for Philip Roche, Seamus Clarke SC, submitted that the arrest of both Roches was unlawful because the arresting gardaí "tagged along" with a search team, for the purpose of arrest, without stating their intention. CNI source report
Case subjects
Appellant
Charges: aggravated burglary; false imprisonment (Alleged Or Contested)
Outcome: Patrick Roche was jailed for 17 years, Philip Roche 15 years and Freeman 14 years by Judge John Hannan on November 14, 2017.
Appellant
Charges: aggravated burglary; false imprisonment (Alleged Or Contested)
Outcome: Patrick Roche was jailed for 17 years, Philip Roche 15 years and Freeman 14 years by Judge John Hannan on November 14, 2017.
Places mentioned
- Pearse Park
- Tipperary Town
- Dublin
- Limerick
- Limerick Circuit Criminal Court
- The Circuit Court
- Court of Appeal
Topics
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