Courts / Louth / Report
Joyrider who killed three while speeding at 225km/h appeals jail term
Summary
Keith Lennon is appealing the severity of his nine-year prison sentence for three counts of manslaughter at the Court of Appeal. Lennon, of Forest Park, Dromintee, Co Armagh, pleaded guilty at Dundalk Circuit Criminal Court after his vehicle collided with another car on the N1 in Dundalk, Co Louth, on February 29, 2020, killing Mary and Kevin Faxton and Bryan Magill. Judge Marina Baxter sentenced him to nine years' imprisonment in February 2021, stating he had turned his car into a "weapon," and imposed a 20-year driving ban. Lennon's counsel, Patrick Gageby SC, argued the sentence was too severe, noting a lack of comparable cases and that the offense was not one of intention. He also conveyed Lennon's public apology. Conversely, Anne-Marie Lawlor SC, representing the Director of Public Prosecutions, maintained the sentence was fair and within the judge's discretion. She highlighted that Lennon was driving at excessive speeds, was uninsured, and had made two Snapchat videos of the speedometer while driving, which she described as a pivotal factor in his culpability. The court has reserved judgment on the appeal.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Joyrider who killed three while speeding at 225km/h appeals jail term. Charges or matters: three counts of manslaughter at Dundalk Circuit Criminal Court. Procedural stage: appeal
When:
- February 29, 2020 Incident
- February 2021 Incident
- 2022-03-25 Publication
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: three counts of manslaughter at Dundalk Circuit Criminal Court (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: Sentencing him to nine years' imprisonment in February 2021, Judge Marina Baxter said Lennon had turned his car into a "weapon" on the night in question. Lennon, of Forest Park, Dromintee, Co Armagh, is now appealing the severity of his jail sentence.
Places mentioned
- Court of Appeal
- Dundalk
- Dundalk Circuit Criminal Court
Topics
Road Traffic Stage Appeal Violent Crime
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