Courts / Limerick / Report
First all-female panel presides at Court of Appeal
Summary
In a historic hearing, the Court of Appeal's first all‑female panel—Ms Justice Isobel Kennedy, Ms Justice Tara Burns and Ms Justice Úna Ní Raifeartaigh—considered an appeal by John O'Donoghue, 54, who was convicted in November 2021 of assault causing serious harm and violent disorder at Bothar Buí, Rathkeale. O'Donoghue, jailed for ten years, argued that the prosecution failed to disclose a Garda notebook to the defence before the trial. The notebook, containing a description of the scene, was slid across the table by the prosecution while the Garda was giving evidence, a move described by Ms Justice Kennedy as "most unsatisfactory." O'Donoghue's counsel claimed the lack of disclosure prejudiced the defence, who had already cross‑examined witnesses. The panel noted the issue but, after hearing arguments from the State and the defence, said it would reserve its judgement on whether the conviction should be overturned. John O'Donoghue pleaded not guilty.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: First all-female panel presides at Court of Appeal. Charges or matters: assault serious causing harm to Willie O'Driscoll Sr, who was then aged 74, at Bothar Buí, Rathkeale, Co Limerick, on December 17, 2017. Procedural stage: appeal. Findings: Convicted
When:
- November 2021 Incident
- December 17, 2017 Incident
- 2023-11-28 Publication
Case subjects
Convicted Person
Charges: assault serious causing harm to Willie O'Driscoll Sr, who was then aged 74, at Bothar Buí, Rathkeale, Co Limerick, on December 17, 2017 (Proven)
Plea: Not guilty
Finding: Convicted
Outcome: Convicted; He was sentenced to 10 years imprisonment for the assault causing serious harm and to eight years for the violent disorder offence.
Places mentioned
- Court of Appeal
- At Limerick Circuit Criminal Court
- Limerick
- Lower Main Street
- Rathkeale
Topics
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