Courts / Wicklow / Report
Carer (66) gets more time to appeal sentence for "extraordinarily violent" attack on woman (84)
Summary
Sarah Doran, aged 66, was convicted of assault causing serious harm and false imprisonment against an 84‑year‑old woman she was caring for. The incident occurred at Violet Hill, Bray on 28 December 2015. Judge Michael O'Shea sentenced her to eight‑and‑a‑half years, suspending the final three‑and‑a‑half years. Doran, with no prior convictions, appealed the severity of the sentence after the normal 28‑day period had passed. The Court of Appeal granted her an extension of time to lodge the appeal. Her barrister, Mark Lynam, described the offence as "inexplicable" and argued that mental health issues may have influenced her behaviour. The Court of Appeal, presided over by Mr Justice George Birmingham, acknowledged the seriousness of the assault and the unusual circumstances, and agreed to allow the extended appeal period. The case remains at the appeal stage. Sarah Doran pleaded guilty.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Carer (66) gets more time to appeal sentence for "extraordinarily violent" attack on woman (84). Charges or matters: assault causing serious harm and false imprisonment at Violet Hill, in Bray on December 28, 2015. Procedural stage: appeal
When:
- December 28, 2015 Incident
- July 20, 2018 Incident
- 2019-07-01 Publication
Case subjects
Appellant
Charges: assault causing serious harm and false imprisonment at Violet Hill, in Bray on December 28, 2015 (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: She was sentenced to eight-and-a-half years imprisonment with the final three-and-a-half years suspended by Judge Michael O'Shea on July 20, 2018. Doran lodged an appeal against the severity of her sentence, five months outside the normal 28-day-period provided for criminals to lodge an appeal.
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