Courts / Wicklow / Report
Wicklow man has violent disorder sentence reduced on appeal
Summary
Wesley O'Brien, aged 25, was sentenced to six years in prison for violent disorder and 3½ years for intentionally causing harm after assaulting Michael Connors in his home on 14 March 2009. The Court of Appeal reduced the violent disorder sentence to four years, keeping the 3½‑year term for harm. The appeal was based on the claim that O'Brien's conduct, involving a knife, was distinct from other participants, and that his sentence should match that of a co‑accused who received a similar sentence in Wicklow. The judge noted O'Brien's assault involved sticks, golf clubs and a knife, causing severe injuries to Connors. Emma O'Brien, 32, withdrew her appeal and her six‑year sentence was upheld. The final sentence for O'Brien is four years for violent disorder, with the 3½‑year term for harm remaining. Wesley O'Brien pleaded guilty and was convicted. Emma O'Brien pleaded guilty.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Wicklow man has violent disorder sentence reduced on appeal. Charges or matters: intentionally causing harm and committing violent disorder at the home of Michael Connors in the town on March 14, 2009. Procedural stage: appeal. Findings: Convicted
When:
- March 14, 2009 Hearing Or Sentence
- February 21, 2012 Hearing Or Sentence
- 2014-11-24 Publication
Case subjects
Appellant
Charges: intentionally causing harm and committing violent disorder at the home of Michael Connors in the town on March 14, 2009 (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: O'Brien and his sister Emma were sentenced to six years imprisonment for violent disorder and three-and-a-half years for intentionally causing harm by Judge Patricia Ryan at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court on February 21, 2012. Mr Justice Birmingham said it would have been appropriate for O'Brien's sentence to be fixed at the same level as his co-accused.
Convicted Person
Charges: intentionally causing harm and committing violent disorder at the home of Michael Connors in the town on March 14, 2009 (Proven)
Plea: Guilty
Finding: Convicted
Outcome: Convicted; O'Brien and his sister Emma were sentenced to six years imprisonment for violent disorder and three-and-a-half years for intentionally causing harm by Judge Patricia Ryan at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court on February 21, 2012. Mr Justice Birmingham said it would have been appropriate for O'Brien's sentence to be fixed at the same level as his co-accused.
Places mentioned
Topics
Related court reports
- 'Alternative dispute resolution': man arranged 'straightener' during which dad-of-seven was stabbed to death
- Serial burglar jailed for stealing from restaurant lockers
- 'He's an adult and well able to take responsibility' - Judge gives man time to compensate ex for damage to property
- Domestic violence accused loses habeas corpus appeal
- Brothers attacked man in toilet cubicle after Tyson Fury match 'banter'
- Murder accused pleads guilty to violent disorder at playground
If a fact, identity, locality or legal outcome needs review, email the newsroom with this report's details prefilled.
Email a correction request