Courts / Galway / Report
Killer Farmer who drove over aunt appeals six-year sentence
Summary
Michael Scott, a 60‑year‑old farmer from Gortanumera, Portumna, was convicted of manslaughter by gross negligence after he drove an agricultural teleporter over his 76‑year‑old aunt, Chrissie Treacy, on 27 April 2018. The trial judge, Ms Justice Caroline Biggs, imposed a headline sentence of eight years, later reduced to six years after mitigating factors. Scott's counsel, Michael Bowman SC, argued the sentence was too high, citing the defendant's "blemish‑free" life and the circumstances of the incident. The Director of Public Prosecutions, Dean Kelly SC, defended the judge's discretion, noting the jury's finding that Scott's blind reversal for ten seconds across the yard posed a high risk to his aunt. The case was distinguished from dangerous driving causing death, and the judge highlighted Scott's lack of remorse at the time, though recent remorse was acknowledged. The appeal is pending. Michael Scott pleaded not guilty.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Killer Farmer who drove over aunt appeals six-year sentence. Charges or matters: manslaughter by gross negligence for killing his elderly aunt after he drove over her in an agricultural teleporter has appealed the severity of his six-year sentence; murdering Ms Treacy outside her home in Derryhiney, Portumna, Co Galway on April 27, 2018. Procedural stage: appeal
When:
- April 27, 2018 Hearing Or Sentence
- 2025-02-20 Publication
Case subjects
Appellant
Charges: manslaughter by gross negligence for killing his elderly aunt after he drove over her in an agricultural teleporter has appealed the severity of his six-year sentence; murdering Ms Treacy outside her home in Derryhiney, Portumna, Co Galway on April 27, 2018 (Alleged Or Contested)
Plea: Not guilty
Outcome: Mr Kelly said Ms Justice Biggs applied a generous discount to the headline sentence, partly on the basis that Scott had shown remorse.
Places mentioned
Topics
Road Traffic Stage Appeal Violent Crime
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