Courts / Wicklow / Report
Armed raider has five-year sentence quashed on appeal
Summary
Peter Sheeran, 33, of Carraig Mor, Kilcoole, County Wicklow, was convicted of robbery after he armed himself with a bread‑knife and stole €1,000 from Murphy's Gala store in Kilanerin on 17 June 2023. He left a two‑year‑old and a seven‑year‑old in a car while he carried out the robbery and was subsequently caught by passers‑by. Sheeran pleaded guilty at Wexford Circuit Court in December 2023, where Judge Cormac Quinn imposed a five‑year sentence, with the final year suspended. On appeal, Sheeran's counsel argued that he had no prior convictions, was acting under duress, and the offence was not premeditated. The Director of Public Prosecutions countered that the planning was minimal and the knife was more akin to a machete. Judge Patrick McCarthy acknowledged the duress but noted premeditation in Sheeran's preparation and disguise.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Armed raider has five-year sentence quashed on appeal. Charges or matters: robbery when he appeared at Wexford Circuit Court in December 2023, when Judge Cormac Quinn imposed a five-year sentence, with the final year suspended. Procedural stage: appeal
When:
- 17 June Hearing Or Sentence
- December 2023 Hearing Or Sentence
- Monday 16th December Adjournment
- 2024-11-05 Publication
Why: Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy noted that this was a serious offence and said the court was mindful of the aggravating factors in the case, with one woman giving up her job because of the psychological effects of the robbery and another concerned about the health of her unborn child. CNI source report
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: robbery when he appeared at Wexford Circuit Court in December 2023, when Judge Cormac Quinn imposed a five-year sentence, with the final year suspended (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: He pleaded guilty to robbery when he appeared at Wexford Circuit Court in December 2023, when Judge Cormac Quinn imposed a five-year sentence, with the final year suspended. Mr Justice Edwards said the court would quash Sheeran's sentence, with the appellant to remain remanded in custody in Castlerea prison pending re-sentencing on Monday 16th December.; Mr Justice Edwards said the court would quash Sheeran's sentence, with the appellant to remain remanded in custody in Castlerea prison pending re-sentencing on Monday 16th December.
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