Courts / Dublin / Report

Jailed man who left family under 'Tsnuami of fear' offered college place, court hears

Date
2022-01-21

Stage
Appeal

Primary locality
Dublin

County
Dublin

Summary

In 2020, Karl Hughes, aged 28, was convicted of harassing the Kennedy family in Rathfarnham over an €8,500 drug debt. He pleaded guilty and was sentenced to four years' imprisonment by Judge Martin Nolan. Hughes' defence argued the sentence was excessive, citing his depression and alcohol abuse at the time of the offence and his subsequent medical treatment. The Court of Appeal was informed that Hughes had been offered a place to study at the National College of Art and Design and an employment offer. CCTV footage showed Hughes repeatedly banging on the family's door, shouting threats, and kicking the door, actions described by the Director of Public Prosecutions as "planned, prolonged and effective" to cause maximum fear. The sentencing judge described the behaviour as "very serious misbehaviour" and noted the victims were so terrified they considered selling their 24‑year‑old home.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Jailed man who left family under 'Tsnuami of fear' offered college place, court hears. Charges or matters: harassment of the Kennedy family at their home in Rathfarnham; arose out of a drug debt and occurred over a two-week period; the same offence and sentenced to two-and-a-half years' imprisonment. Procedural stage: appeal. Findings: Convicted

When:

October 2020 Hearing Or Sentence
March 2019 Other
2022-01-21 Publication

Why: Counsel explained that Hughes had been diagnosed with depression and not been taking his medication at the time of the offence and had also been abusing alcohol. CNI source report

Case subjects

Karl Hughes

Appellant

Charges: harassment of the Kennedy family at their home in Rathfarnham; arose out of a drug debt and occurred over a two-week period; the same offence and sentenced to two-and-a-half years' imprisonment (Proven)

Plea: Guilty

Finding: Convicted

Outcome: Convicted; Hughes later launched an appeal against the severity of the sentence. Hughes' brother Cian (31) was convicted of the same offence and sentenced to two-and-a-half years' imprisonment.

National College

Appellant