Courts / Kerry / Report
Convicted killer who threatened to stab gardai is spared return to jail
Summary
Gerard O'Riordan, a 37-year-old father from Killarney, appeared before the Central Criminal Court in an appeal regarding the potential revocation of the suspended portion of his 2009 manslaughter sentence. O'Riordan was previously convicted of the manslaughter of James Brazier in 2007, receiving a 14-year term with the final 18 months suspended. After his release in June 2019, he entered a good behaviour bond. However, he was subsequently convicted of threatening to kill gardai, an allegation where he allegedly threatened to stab officers who entered his home. He also faced a separate fine for trespass and public order offences after threatening staff at an off-licence. Defence counsel Dean Kelly SC highlighted O'Riordan's rehabilitation, noting he has attended 24 anger management sessions and become a father. Mr Justice Michael White acknowledged these efforts but expressed concern over O'Riordan's history as a 'violent and dangerous' individual. The court did not revoke the suspended sentence immediately. Instead, the matter was adjourned for one year to monitor O'Riordan's behaviour. He agreed to return to court in May of next year, with the judge noting that the delay allows him to continue confronting the issues that have blighted his life.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Convicted killer who threatened to stab gardai is spared return to jail. Charges or matters: manslaughter; threats to kill gardai. Procedural stage: appeal. Findings: Convicted
When:
- April 15th, 2007 Hearing Or Sentence
- June 2019 Other
- 2021-05-27 Publication
Why: Detective Sergeant Ernest Henderson today explained that O'Riordan had already been serving a sentence at the time, so his jail term for the manslaughter did not begin immediately. CNI source report
Case subjects
Appellant
Charges: manslaughter; threats to kill gardai (Proven)
Finding: Convicted
Outcome: Convicted; Gerard O'Riordan of Arbutus Grove, Killarney was today brought before the Central Criminal Court, which could have revoked the suspended portion of the sentence he was given in 2009 for a killing carried out two years earlier.; adjournment
Places mentioned
- Central Criminal Court
- Mountjoy Prison
Topics
Public Order Stage Appeal Violent Crime
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