Courts / Dublin / Report
Woman who took part in violent knife robberies of vulnerable people fails in sentence appeal
Summary
Christine Ward, 37, and her former partner Derek Bewley, 49, were convicted of violent robbery and burglary in Artane on 2 November 2018. Ward was sentenced to eight and a half years in prison, with 18 months suspended, after a judge described the offences as "most serious". Bewley received the same custodial term. Ward appealed, arguing that her previous convictions were not violent and that a psychological report on her mental health and drug use should have been considered. Counsel also claimed Ward was a better rehabilitation candidate than Bewley. The Court of Appeal rejected the appeal, stating that the original judge had treated the offenders similarly and that no error in principle had been proven. Ward's appeal was dismissed, leaving her eight‑and‑a‑half‑year sentence intact. Derek Bewley pleaded guilty.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Woman who took part in violent knife robberies of vulnerable people fails in sentence appeal. Charges or matters: aggravated burglary at a house in Artane on November 2, 2018, with seven other counts taken into consideration; possession of a hammer and stealing a wallet containing €600 during the same incident, was also jailed for eight and a half years. Procedural stage: appeal
When:
- November 2, 2018 Incident
- January 31, 2024 Incident
- 2025-02-11 Publication
Case subjects
Appellant
Charges: aggravated burglary at a house in Artane on November 2, 2018, with seven other counts taken into consideration; possession of a hammer and stealing a wallet containing €600 during the same incident, was also jailed for eight and a half years (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: Bewley (49), who pleaded guilty to possession of a hammer and stealing a wallet containing €600 during the same incident, was also jailed for eight and a half years. It was also argued that there should have been a difference between the sentences imposed on Ward and Bewley, as Ward was a "better candidate" for rehabilitation.
Places mentioned
Topics
Burglary Drugs Stage Appeal Theft Violent Crime
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