Courts / Cork / Report

Violent burglar has jail term increased for hatchet attack

Date
2024-05-14
Stage
Appeal
Primary locality
Cork City
County
Cork

Summary

A 40-year-old man from Leitrim Street, Cork City, has had his prison sentence increased by two years following an appeal by the Director of Public Prosecutions. David Long pleaded guilty to assault causing harm, burglary, and producing a hatchet during an attack on Middle Glanmire Road on January 18th, 2022. The Court of Appeal found the original six-year sentence, with the final year suspended, to be unduly lenient. Long's victim sustained a fractured skull, broken teeth, and facial fractures during the assault. The appellate court, presided over by Mr Justice George Birmingham, noted Long's significant criminal history, including previous convictions for aggravated burglary and robbery. The court determined that excessive mitigation had been granted at first instance. Long has been re-sentenced to eight years' imprisonment with the final twelve months suspended. His then-girlfriend received a three-year sentence with the final six months suspended for her involvement in the targeted attack.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Violent burglar has jail term increased for hatchet attack. Charges or matters: assault causing harm, burglary and to producing a hatchet at an address on Middle Glanmire Road in the city on January 18, 2022. Procedural stage: appeal

When:

Why: Defence counsel Ray Boland said Long was "used" by his girlfriend as a "pawn" and that he acted out of a "misguided sense of chivalry" because she held a grievance against her cousin. Defence account reported by CNI

Case subjects

David Long

Convicted Person

Charges: assault causing harm, burglary and to producing a hatchet at an address on Middle Glanmire Road in the city on January 18, 2022 (Admitted)

Plea: Guilty

Outcome: Last November at Cork Circuit Criminal Court, David Long was sentenced to six years' imprisonment with the final year suspended by Judge Colin Daly for an attack the court heard had been committed in "misguided sense of chivalry" for his then-girlfriend. Long's ex-girlfriend was sentenced to three years imprisonment with the last six months suspended for her part in the attack.

Places mentioned

Court Venue
  • Court of Appeal
  • Cork
  • Cork Circuit Criminal Court
Residence
Incident
  • Middle Glanmire Road
Address Area
  • Middle Glanmire Road

Topics

Burglary Stage Appeal Theft Violent Crime

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