Courts / Dublin / Report
"Brutal and cruel" - woman witnessed partner's killing
Summary
Keith Smithers and Peter White were sentenced at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court following a trial concerning the death of Brian Hogan on January 13, 2023, at Collins Place in Finglas. Both men had pleaded not guilty to the unlawful killing and robbery. Smithers was convicted of manslaughter and robbery, while White was acquitted of the killing but convicted of robbery. Judge Martin Nolan handed Smithers a global sentence of nine years, comprising nine years for manslaughter and a concurrent four and a half years for robbery. White was jailed for four and a half years for robbery. The judge noted there was little formal mitigation, citing extensive previous convictions for both defendants, though he acknowledged Smithers' remorse as a small level of mitigation. The court accepted that the robbery context was serious and that there was a common design. A victim impact statement from Lyndsey Doyle, Hogan's partner, described witnessing the killing as brutal and cruel. The judge directed that both men receive credit for time served and granted a defence application to extend legal aid for a potential appeal.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: "Brutal and cruel" - woman witnessed partner's killing. Charges or matters: the unlawful killing and robbery of Brian Hogan on January 13, 2023 at Collins Place in Finglas. Procedural stage: sentence. Findings: Acquitted
When:
- January 13, 2023 Hearing Or Sentence
- 2025-05-26 Publication
Case subjects
Convicted Person
Charges: the unlawful killing and robbery of Brian Hogan on January 13, 2023 at Collins Place in Finglas (Alleged Or Contested)
Plea: Not guilty
Finding: Acquitted
Outcome: Acquitted; Judge Nolan said the court was of the view that Smithers was remorseful for his actions, which was "a small level of mitigation" He handed Smithers a sentence of nine years for manslaughter and a concurrent sentence of four and a half years on the robbery charge.
Convicted Person
Charges: the unlawful killing and robbery of Brian Hogan on January 13, 2023 at Collins Place in Finglas (Alleged Or Contested)
Outcome: Judge Nolan said the court was of the view that Smithers was remorseful for his actions, which was "a small level of mitigation" He handed Smithers a sentence of nine years for manslaughter and a concurrent sentence of four and a half years on the robbery charge.
Convicted Person
Charges: the unlawful killing and robbery of Brian Hogan on January 13, 2023 at Collins Place in Finglas (Alleged Or Contested)
Plea: Not guilty
Finding: Acquitted
Outcome: Acquitted; Today, Smithers was handed a global sentence of nine years, while White was jailed for four and a half years for robbery. In relation to White, the judge said the context of the robbery was "quite serious" and imposed a sentence of four and a half years.
Places mentioned
- Collins Place
- Dublin
- Casement Drive
- Dublin
- Dublin Circuit Criminal Court
Topics
Stage Sentence Theft Violent Crime
Related court reports
- Man charged with having 56k child abuse images and videos remanded on bail
- Ex-Dáil hopeful's allegations against former employer 'complete fantasy', WRC told
- Mater must pay €10k to worker who said he was wrongly accused of abusing patient
- 'I think we know I won't be getting bail' - Daniel Kinahan charged with directing criminal organisation
- Letting agent who claimed alleged domestic violence victim abandoned tenancy by fleeing to refuge must pay €14.7k
- 77-year-old with 470 convictions told Luas staff to 'f**k off'
If a fact, identity, locality or legal outcome needs review, email the newsroom with this report's details prefilled.
Email a correction request