Courts / Galway / Report
Burglar who repeatedly stabbed father in front of children has jail term reduced
Summary
In January 2022, the Court of Appeal reduced the sentence of Eddie O'Loughlin, a 38‑year‑old former resident of Finbar's Terrace, Bohermore, who had been convicted of aggravated burglary and a violent assault on Jonathan King in June 2016. O'Loughlin entered the family home at 8 am armed with a large kitchen knife and repeatedly stabbed King in front of the victim's daughters, aged four, 11 and 17. He also threatened the mother, Adrienne Keary, by placing his finger on his lips. O'Loughlin was arrested hours later, his clothing stained with King's blood. He had originally pleaded not guilty, later changed to guilty after evidence from Keary, and was sentenced to 10 ½ years in January 2020. On appeal, the Court found no error in the conviction but suspended the final 18 months of the term for three years, subject to a bond with probation services. The appeal was heard by Justices Kennedy, Edwards and McCarthy.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Burglar who repeatedly stabbed father in front of children has jail term reduced. Procedural stage: appeal
When:
- June 20, 2016 Incident
- February 2018 Incident
- January 2020 Incident
- 2022-01-20 Publication
Case subjects
Appellant
Outcome: O'Loughlin later filed a motion seeking to vacate his guilty plea but the application was rejected by Judge Rory McCabe, who sentenced the defendant to 10 and a half years imprisonment in January 2020. The appellant's bid to have his sentenced reduced was upheld, however, and the final 18 months of his 10-and-a-half-year term was suspended for three years by the Court of Appeal.
Places mentioned
- Court of Appeal
- Galway
- Galway Circuit Criminal Court
- Finbar's Terrace
- Galway
- Mountjoy Prison
Topics
Burglary Stage Appeal Violent Crime
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