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First defendants to be sentenced after landmark rulings get nine years for murdering Steakhouse assassin
Summary
The Special Criminal Court has sentenced three defendants convicted of murder and three others for violent disorder arising from the Christmas Eve 2023 killing of Tristan Sherry at Browne's Steakhouse in Blanchardstown. Mr Justice Kerida Naidoo sentenced David Amah (19) and an unnamed 18-year-old accomplice to 12 years' imprisonment, with the final three years suspended. Both were 17 at the time of the offence, meaning they were not subject to the mandatory life sentence, a position supported by recent Supreme Court rulings. Michael Andrecut (23), who was an adult at the time, was previously sentenced to the mandatory life term. For the violent disorder convictions, Brandon Hennessy (22) received four-and-a-half years, with the final six months suspended for one year. Jonas Kabangu (19) was sentenced to four years, with the final 12 months suspended for two years. An unnamed 18-year-old received two years and four months, with the final year suspended for two years. The judge noted the lack of premeditation and that the victims were disarmed when attacked, while emphasizing the need to deter unlawful violence.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: First defendants to be sentenced after landmark rulings get nine years for murdering Steakhouse assassin. Charges or matters: murder along with an 18-year-old accomplice, who cannot be named as he was a minor when he came before the court. Procedural stage: sentence. Findings: Convicted
When:
- Christmas Eve Incident
- Christmas Incident
- 2025-05-26 Publication
Case subjects
Convicted Person
Charges: murder along with an 18-year-old accomplice, who cannot be named as he was a minor when he came before the court (Proven)
Finding: Convicted
Outcome: Convicted; Michael Andrecut (23) of Sheephill Avenue in Blanchardstown was also convicted of murder and, as he an adult at the time of the offence, he was previously sentenced to the mandatory life term. Mr Justice Kerida Naidoo today sentenced Amah and his unnamed accomplice to 12 years with the final three years suspended.
Convicted Person
Outcome: Jonas Kabangu (19) of Corduff Park, Blanchardstown received a sentence of four years in prison with the final 12 months suspended for two years. Mr Justice Naidoo sentenced the third violent disorder defendant, an 18-year-old who also can't be named, to two years and four months, with the final year suspended for two years.
Background Person
Outcome: Michael Andrecut (23) of Sheephill Avenue in Blanchardstown was also convicted of murder and, as he an adult at the time of the offence, he was previously sentenced to the mandatory life term. Mr Justice Kerida Naidoo today sentenced Amah and his unnamed accomplice to 12 years with the final three years suspended.
Places mentioned
- High Court
- Supreme Court
- Special Criminal Court
- Portrane
- Portrane Road
- Donabate
- Sheephill Avenue
- Dublin
- Corduff Park
- Blanchardstown
Topics
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