Courts / Wexford / Report
Pair found guilty of unlawful killing by neglect of MS sufferer to appeal convictions
Summary
In January 2006, Evelyn Joel, a 59‑year‑old MS sufferer, was unlawfully killed by neglect in Co. Wexford. Her 41‑year‑old daughter Eleanor and her partner Jonathen Costen, aged 43, were found guilty by a jury at Wexford Circuit Criminal Court. Judge Seán O'Donnabháin imposed a two‑year suspended sentence on each, conditional on 230 hours of community service. The pair have now decided to appeal their convictions. Meanwhile, the Director of Public Prosecutions is appealing the sentences, arguing they were unduly lenient. The DPP's appeal is scheduled for hearing on 29 and 30 April, with a time limit set for Ms. Joel to file submissions on the undue‑leniency application. Ms. Joel's barrister, James Browne, requested one week for submissions and was granted two. The DPP received Ms. Joel's submissions and has been given four weeks to reply. The pair were not present at the Court of Appeal hearing before President Mr. Justice Seán Ryan. Jonathen Costen pleaded not guilty.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Pair found guilty of unlawful killing by neglect of MS sufferer to appeal convictions. Charges or matters: the unlawful killing of Evelyn by neglect in Co Wexford in January 2006. Procedural stage: appeal
When:
- January 2006 Hearing Or Sentence
- March 2013 Hearing Or Sentence
- April 29 Hearing Or Sentence
- 2015-03-11 Publication
Case subjects
Appellant
Charges: the unlawful killing of Evelyn by neglect in Co Wexford in January 2006 (Alleged Or Contested)
Plea: Not guilty
Outcome: They were found guilty by a jury at Wexford Circuit Criminal Court and were given a two year suspended sentence on condition they carry out 230 hours of community service by Judge Seán O'Donnabháin in March 2013.
Places mentioned
- Wexford
- Wexford Circuit Criminal Court
- Court of Appeal
Topics
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