Courts / Dublin / Report
Storm Emma looter avoids extra jail time despite leniency of sentence
Summary
David Berney, a convicted burglar from Tallaght, was found guilty in 2018 of looting a Centra store in Jobstown during Storm Emma. He had previously pleaded guilty to a 2014 burglary of a private home. At the Circuit Court, a two‑year sentence was imposed for the 2014 offence and an additional 18‑month term for the 2018 looting, which was suspended on the condition that he remain law‑abiding and engage with addiction and social reintegration services. The Court of Appeal, after reviewing positive probation reports, deemed the original sentence unduly lenient but chose to increase the suspended portion rather than impose further custodial time. Berney, who could not attend the appeal hearing because he was starting a plumbing apprenticeship, will receive a new sentencing date at a later time. The appeal was brought by the Director of Public Prosecutions, who argued that Berney's prior conviction and bail status warranted a harsher penalty.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Storm Emma looter avoids extra jail time despite leniency of sentence. Procedural stage: appeal
When:
- March 2, 2018 Incident
- December 3, 2014 Incident
- March 2 2018 Hearing Or Sentence
- 2021-03-01 Publication
Why: Berney, who could not attend court today because he is beginning an apprenticeship as a plumber, will be sentenced at a later date. CNI source report
Places mentioned
Topics
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