Courts / Clare / Report
Burglar who pointed loaded shotgun at head of teenager has sentence increased after DPP appeal
Summary
Simon Gentles, aged 29, pleaded guilty to aggravated burglary at a home in Sixmilebridge, Co Clare, on 7 January 2010. He was originally sentenced to four years imprisonment by Judge Carroll Moran at Ennis Circuit Criminal Court on 6 February 2012. On appeal, the Court of Appeal, following an application by the Director of Public Prosecutions, increased his sentence to ten years imprisonment, with the final four years suspended. Mr Justice Alan Mahon noted that Gentles forcefully burst into the home of Ms Fitzpatrick, wearing a balaclava and carrying a sawn‑off shotgun that was loaded. He threatened to shoot Ms Fitzpatrick's head and pointed the gun at her 15‑year‑old son. The judge highlighted the violent and threatening nature of the offence and the use of a loaded firearm, and considered Gentles' prior convictions and prison courses when determining the suspended portion. Gentles will serve the new sentence of ten years imprisonment, with the final four years suspended.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Burglar who pointed loaded shotgun at head of teenager has sentence increased after DPP appeal. Charges or matters: aggravated burglary at a home in Sixmilebridge, Co Clare on January 7 2010. Procedural stage: appeal
When:
- January 7 2010 Incident
- February 6 2012 Incident
- January 7, 2010 Other
- 2014-12-15 Publication
Why: The home had been targeted because of a belief that there had been a considerable amount of cash in the house at the time, Mr Justice Mahon said. CNI source report
Case subjects
Appellant
Charges: aggravated burglary at a home in Sixmilebridge, Co Clare on January 7 2010 (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: He was sentenced to four years imprisonment by Judge Carroll Moran at Ennis Circuit Criminal Court on February 6 2012. On foot of an application by the Director of Public Prosecutions, the Court of Appeal found today that the appropriate sentence for Gentles was ten years imprisonment with the final four suspended.
Places mentioned
Topics
Burglary Stage Appeal Violent Crime
Related court reports
- 'Industrious thief' who stole €20k targeted weddings, court hears
- Drug dealer to serve a consecutive 27 years after shooting that 'terrorised the public'
- 'Wild West stuff': bystander shot in buttocks after drug dealer opened fire at music festival
- 'Top of the pyramid' drug dealer admits to further charges
- Court rejects bid to adjourn Davy Fitzgerald repossession case
- 'Top of the pyramid' drug dealer admits to attempted murder
If a fact, identity, locality or legal outcome needs review, email the newsroom with this report's details prefilled.
Email a correction request