Courts / Dublin / Report
Killer whose family difficulties were given too much prominence by judge has sentence increased
Summary
Andrew Lacey, a 35‑year‑old father of five, was convicted of manslaughter for stabbing Derek Reddin to death on 14/15 October 2019 after an altercation on Loughlinstown Drive. The original sentence of seven and a half years with 18 months suspended was increased by the Court of Appeal to six years and nine months with no portion suspended. The appeal court found that the trial judge, Ms Justice Mary Ellen Ring, had given too much weight to the difficulties faced by Lacey's children, describing them as "innocent victims" and citing reports of educational issues. The Court of Appeal held that these circumstances were not central to the sentencing hearing and quashed the suspended portion, imposing the new term. The decision was made by a three‑judge panel, including Mr Justice George Birmingham, who noted that the suspended portion had no evidential basis in this case.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Killer whose family difficulties were given too much prominence by judge has sentence increased. Procedural stage: appeal
When:
- October 14 Hearing Or Sentence
- October 14, 2019 Hearing Or Sentence
- 2024-03-01 Publication
Why: Ms Justice Ring suspended the 18 months solely because Lacey's children, who she described as innocent victims of the killing, would find the absence of their father difficult during critical years of their development. CNI source report
Case subjects
Respondent
Outcome: He imposed in its place a sentence of six years and nine months with no part suspended. She said the sentence imposed was "impeccably reasoned", up to the point where the final 18 months was suspended.
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