Courts / Dublin / Report

Addict facing increased sentence for hijacking car with child in back seat

Date
2015-02-06

Stage
Appeal

Primary locality
Mountjoy

County
Dublin

Summary

Christopher Coakley, a 23‑year‑old heroin addict, pleaded guilty to unlawfully seizing a woman's car with her child in the back seat on 5 August 2012. He was sentenced to three years' imprisonment by Judge Desmond Hogan on 25 February 2013. The Director of Public Prosecutions appealed, arguing that the judge had not adequately considered Coakley's 92 prior convictions and the fact that he had previously received a fully suspended five‑year sentence. The Court of Appeal, led by Justice Seán Ryan, agreed that the original sentence was unduly lenient and ordered a new sentence to be imposed on 27 March. Coakley has been a heroin addict since age 13 and has spent most of his life in custody since age 14. He has been drug‑free since September, according to his mother, Paula Johnston. The Court of Appeal has remanded him in custody pending the new sentence.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Addict facing increased sentence for hijacking car with child in back seat. Charges or matters: the unlawful seizure of a vehicle at Mountjoy Square on August 5, 2012. Procedural stage: appeal

When:

August 5, 2012 Hearing Or Sentence
February 25, 2013 Hearing Or Sentence
August 2012 Incident
March 27 Adjournment
2015-02-06 Publication

Case subjects

Christopher Coakley

Appellant

Charges: the unlawful seizure of a vehicle at Mountjoy Square on August 5, 2012 (Admitted)

Plea: Guilty

Outcome: President of the Court of Appeal Mr Justice Seán Ryan, who sat with Mr Justice Garrett Sheehan and Mr Justice George Birmingham, said the court was satisfied that the sentence imposed on Coakley was unduly lenient. The Court of Appeal requested urine analysis reports from prison authorities and remanded Coakley in custody until March 27 when a new sentence will be imposed.; The Court of Appeal requested urine analysis reports from prison authorities and remanded Coakley in custody until March 27 when a new sentence will be imposed.