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Suspended sentence for 'terrifying attack' on partner too lenient, State says
Summary
The Director of Public Prosecutions appealed the entirely suspended sentence given to Eddie Farnan for a 'terrifying attack' on his partner, Lisa Power, which left her unable to lift her child and suffering whiplash. Farnan, 37, had pleaded guilty to assault and domestic violence on June 2, 2017, and was sentenced by Judge Karen O'Connor to two years and nine months, suspended in full under conditions. The DPP argued that the full suspension was unduly lenient, citing the severity of the assault, the presence of a child, the domestic setting, Farnan's continued violence and resistance to arrest, and changes in societal attitudes to domestic violence. The appeal was heard by the Court of Appeal, with Justice George Birmingham, Justice Patrick McCarthy and Justice Úna Ni Raifeartaigh reserving judgment. The case highlights the DPP's stance that a fully suspended sentence is insufficient for such domestic violence.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Suspended sentence for 'terrifying attack' on partner too lenient, State says. Charges or matters: both crimes against his then partner at that address on June 2, 2017. Procedural stage: appeal
When:
- June 2, 2017 Incident
- 2020-06-16 Publication
Why: Barry Ward BL explained that the difficulty the director had was that the entirety of that sentence was suspended. CNI source report
Case subjects
Appellant
Charges: both crimes against his then partner at that address on June 2, 2017 (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: Judge Karen O'Connor sentenced him at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court last year. She imposed a sentence of two years and nine months but suspended it entirely on a number of conditions.; Court President Justice George Birmingham, presiding with Justice Patrick McCarthy and Justice Úna Ni Raifeartaigh, reserved judgment in the case.
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