Courts / Dublin / Report

Grandfather who shook infant grandson to death jailed for 5.5 years

Date
2023-11-13
Stage
Sentence
Primary locality
Dublin
County
Dublin

Summary

In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court hearing, Chang Teng Wang, 58, of Finglas, was sentenced to six and a half years' imprisonment for the unlawful killing of his 10‑month‑old grandson, Seán Wang, who died after Wang violently shook him in an attempt to calm him. The judge, Martina Baxter, imposed a 12‑month suspended period, citing aggravating factors such as Seán's healthy condition and the vulnerability of infants. Wang pleaded guilty, which the court noted as a mitigating factor, and he cooperated with Gardaí. The case involved a hospital admission where Seán was in cardiac arrest and later pronounced dead 66 hours after arrival. Wang's defence highlighted his lack of prior convictions, foreign status, and willingness to leave the country. No victim impact statement was presented. The sentence reflects the seriousness of the offence and the court's view of Wang's responsibility.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Grandfather who shook infant grandson to death jailed for 5.5 years. Charges or matters: the unlawful killing of Seán Wang on August 15, 2019. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

Case subjects

Chang Teng Wang

Defendant

Charges: the unlawful killing of Seán Wang on August 15, 2019 (Admitted)

Plea: Guilty

Outcome: Imposing sentence at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court today, Judge Martina Baxter said Wang caused "the most final and devastating of injuries" to his grandson, which resulted in his death. Judge Baxter handed down a sentence of six and a half years in prison, with the final 12 months suspended on strict conditions.

Places mentioned

Residence
Court Venue
  • Dublin
  • Dublin Circuit Criminal Court
Address Area
  • Temple Street
Facility
  • Temple Street Children's Hospital

Topics

Stage Sentence

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