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DPP fails in appeal against suspended sentence for violent domestic assault
Summary
Eddie Farnan, 38, pleaded guilty to assault, threatening to kill and criminal damage after a violent domestic incident on 2 June 2017. He was given a 33‑month suspended sentence by the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court in October 2019. The DPP appealed, arguing the sentence was too lenient, but the Court of Appeal rejected the appeal. The court noted Farnan's extensive rehabilitation efforts, including a residential programme for addiction and engagement with services, and considered these mitigating factors. The judges acknowledged the brutality of the offence but concluded that a custodial sentence would undermine Farnan's progress. Consequently, the suspended sentence was upheld, with no custodial term imposed. The decision highlighted the balance between punishment for domestic violence and the potential benefits of rehabilitation outside prison.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: DPP fails in appeal against suspended sentence for violent domestic assault. Charges or matters: one count of assault on his then partner, Lisa Power, at their home on June 2, 2017 and a separate count of threatening to kill or seriously harm her; a third charge of criminal damage during the same incident. Procedural stage: appeal
When:
- June 2, 2017 Incident
- October 2019 Incident
- June 1, 2017 Incident
- 2020-09-28 Publication
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: one count of assault on his then partner, Lisa Power, at their home on June 2, 2017 and a separate count of threatening to kill or seriously harm her; a third charge of criminal damage during the same incident (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: In October 2019, Dublin Circuit Criminal Court fully suspended a sentence of two years and nine months imposed on Farnan. However, George Burns BL, for Farnan, said Judge O'Connor had suspended the sentence due to what she had described as "an enormous amount of rehabilitation" by Farnan.
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