Courts / Armagh / Report
Court 'wouldn't expect' early jail release for 'Border Fox' O'Hare
Summary
The Court of Appeal has adjourned the sentencing appeal of Dessie O'Hare, a former INLA member known as "The Border Fox." Mr Justice George Birmingham agreed to the adjournment, noting there is "no particular urgency" as O'Hare's sentence is not due to expire soon. The judge stated he "wouldn't expect an early release" even if the appeal succeeded. O'Hare, of County Armagh, was jailed in 2019 by the Special Criminal Court for seven years for falsely imprisoning a family and leading a violent attack. He pleaded guilty to assaulting John Roche and falsely imprisoning Martin Byrne at Rathcoole and Saggart on June 9, 2015. The court also considered two counts of falsely imprisoning Mr Byrne's wife and son. O'Hare received three years for the assault and ten years for the false imprisonment, with the final three years suspended for life; the sentences run concurrently. The judge noted O'Hare's threat to society had not abated. A previous appeal hearing was adjourned after O'Hare dismissed his lawyers. He is currently unable to consult his legal team while in prison. O'Hare previously served 40 years for the 1987 kidnapping of Dr John O'Grady, from which he was released in 2006 under the Good Friday Agreement.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Court 'wouldn't expect' early jail release for 'Border Fox' O'Hare. Charges or matters: falsely imprisoning Martin Byrne at Rathcoole and Saggart on the same date. Procedural stage: appeal
When:
- June 9, 2015 Incident
- October 13, 1987 Other
- 2021-01-22 Publication
Case subjects
Convicted Person
Charges: falsely imprisoning Martin Byrne at Rathcoole and Saggart on the same date (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: County Armagh was jailed in 2019 by the Special Criminal Court for seven years for falsely imprisoning a family in their home and for leading a "disturbingly violent" attack on another man.
Appellant
Outcome: Credit: Collins) Former INLA terrorist Dessie O'Hare, who was known as "The Border Fox", is unlikely to get an early release as he appeals the severity of his seven-year sentence for falsely imprisoning a family, the Court of Appeal heard today. O'Hare was due to appeal his sentence but has been unable to consult with his legal team while in prison.; A previous appeal hearing last year was adjourned after O'Hare dismissed his lawyers.
Places mentioned
- Court of Appeal
- Special Criminal Court
- Slate Rock Road
- Newtownhamilton
- Armagh
- Garter Lane
Topics
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