Courts / Armagh / Report
'Sometimes good people make mistakes', ATM case told
Summary
In a Special Criminal Court hearing, Padraig Dwyer SC represented Niall Finnegan, a 39‑year‑old family man from Cherry Grove, Cullyhanna, who pleaded guilty in July to possessing €103,000 after an ATM theft on 20 August 2019. Dwyer highlighted Finnegan's lack of prior convictions, his community involvement, and the supportive references from family and local groups. He argued the offence was out of character and that Finnegan had cooperated with Gardaí, expressing a desire to stay out of trouble. Dwyer urged the court to consider a non‑custodial sentence, noting that custodial terms should be a last resort. Judge Hunt cautioned that a light sentence could be viewed as unduly lenient and potentially overturned on appeal, and he postponed sentencing to 29 November. The case remains at the sentencing stage.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: 'Sometimes good people make mistakes', ATM case told. Charges or matters: possessing or handling €103,000 at The Yard, Tullypole, Moynalty, Co Meath following an ATM theft on 20 August 2019. Procedural stage: appeal
When:
- 20 August 2019 Incident
- November 29 Adjournment
- 2021-11-15 Publication
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: possessing or handling €103,000 at The Yard, Tullypole, Moynalty, Co Meath following an ATM theft on 20 August 2019 (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: He also told Mr Dwyer that a "light" sentence can be considered unduly lenient and overturned by the Court of Appeal who have, in other cases, imposed longer sentences.; It postpones the evil day." Mr Justice Hunt, presiding, adjourned sentencing until November 29.
Places mentioned
- Special Criminal Court
- Court of Appeal
Topics
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