Courts / Roscommon / Report
DPP appeals suspended sentence for 'protracted and brutal onslaught'
Summary
The Director of Public Prosecutions has appealed a suspended sentence imposed on a Roscommon man convicted of assaulting and falsely imprisoning his ex-partner at her home in Letterkenny, County Donegal on 5 May 2018. Stephen Connor, aged 43, of Tuam, Kilrooskey pleaded guilty to assault causing harm, false imprisonment and production of a knife. Letterkenny Circuit Court imposed sentences totalling four years but suspended the entire term. The DPP argues the suspension constitutes undue leniency given the severity of the offence, described by the sentencing judge as a protracted and brutal onslaught. Counsel for the prosecution submitted the sentence failed to reflect the domestic violence context or provide adequate general deterrence. Defence counsel contended the sentencing judge properly balanced personal and general deterrence considerations. The Court of Appeal, presided over by Justice George Birmingham, has reserved judgement.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: DPP appeals suspended sentence for 'protracted and brutal onslaught'. Charges or matters: assault causing harm to Brid Pierce and to her false imprisonment at Fortwell, Letterkenny on the 5th May 2018; the production of a knife on the same occasion. Procedural stage: appeal
When:
- 5th May 2018 Incident
- 2020-06-16 Publication
Case subjects
Appellant
Charges: assault causing harm to Brid Pierce and to her false imprisonment at Fortwell, Letterkenny on the 5th May 2018; the production of a knife on the same occasion (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: Judge John Aylmer sentenced Connor at Letterkenny Circuit Court last year. However, he suspended the entire sentence.
Places mentioned
- Letterkenny
- Letterkenny Circuit Court
- Court of Appeal
Topics
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