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Psychiatric nurse jailed for stabbing three people has conviction quashed on appeal
Summary
Brian Quinn, a psychiatric nurse aged 47, had been convicted in 2014 of seriously assaulting Lee Harte and assaulting Kurtis Lennon and James Toner Junior, and of producing a knife, after a 2011 incident at a neighbour's 18th‑birthday party. He was sentenced to eight years' imprisonment. Quinn claimed he acted in self‑defence, arguing that he was attacked by a drunken crowd and that any force he used was lawful. The Court of Appeal found that the trial judge had failed to give the jury clear directions on the two‑part test for self‑defence, particularly the subjective element of Quinn's belief and the objective element of reasonable grounds. The appeal was allowed, a retrial was ordered, and Quinn was remanded on bail pending the next hearing on January 28. No other charges were altered or new convictions imposed. Brian Quinn pleaded not guilty.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Psychiatric nurse jailed for stabbing three people has conviction quashed on appeal. Charges or matters: intentionally or recklessly causing serious harm to Stephen Keogh, Lee Harte and James Toner Senior on October 9, 2011; assault causing harm to Kurtis Lennon, James Toner Junior and Robert Ryan and production of a knife on the same date. Procedural stage: appeal
When:
- October 9, 2011 Incident
- March 10, 2014 Hearing Or Sentence
- January 28 Adjournment
- 2015-12-18 Publication
Case subjects
Convicted Person
Charges: intentionally or recklessly causing serious harm to Stephen Keogh, Lee Harte and James Toner Senior on October 9, 2011; assault causing harm to Kurtis Lennon, James Toner Junior and Robert Ryan and production of a knife on the same date (Alleged Or Contested)
Plea: Not guilty
Outcome: Photo: Collins) A psychiatric nurse jailed for stabbing three people following a birthday party at a neighbouring house has had his conviction overturned. He was sentenced to eight years imprisonment by Judge Carmel Stewart on March 10, 2014.; Mr Quinn was remanded on bail to appeal before Dublin Circuit Criminal Court on January 28 next.
Places mentioned
- Deer Park Avenue
- Tallaght
- Dublin
- Dublin Circuit Criminal Court
- Court of Appeal
Topics
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