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Murderer seeks prison release claiming Court of Appeal overturned his life sentence
Summary
Convicted murderer Raymond Donovan has applied to the High Court for his release from prison, claiming that the Court of Appeal replaced his life sentence with a 20-year term. Donovan, who strangled his former girlfriend Ann Walsh to death on the grounds of a church in 2005, was sentenced to life imprisonment in 2006. He now argues that the Court of Appeal substituted his sentence, and that prison authorities do not have the necessary documents to justify his continued detention. In an ex-parte application, Donovan's legal team successfully sought permission to inquire into his detention, citing Article 40.4.2 of the Constitution. He claims that prison officials have provided him with documents indicating a 20-year sentence, but he has been unable to obtain a copy of the Court of Appeal's warrant. Donovan is seeking a full inquiry into the legality of his detention and potentially bail. The High Court has adjourned the matter for further proceedings. At his trial, Donovan admitted to choking Ms Walsh but claimed he did not intend to kill her.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Murderer seeks prison release claiming Court of Appeal overturned his life sentence. Charges or matters: murder in 2006. Procedural stage: appeal
When:
- August 24, 2005 Hearing Or Sentence
- June 2006 Hearing Or Sentence
- 2026-01-16 Publication
Case subjects
Background Person
Charges: murder in 2006 (Alleged Or Contested)
Outcome: Raymond Donovan, who strangled his former girlfriend to death on the grounds of a church, has launched a High Court bid seeking his release from prison, claiming that the Court of Appeal substituted his mandatory life sentence for one of 20 years imprisonment. In an ex-parte High Court application, where only one side is represented, Barry White SC and Patrick O'Sullivan BL, instructed by Daniel Kreith Solicitor, successfully applied to the High Court for permission to inquire into Donovan's detention.; Ms Justice Sara Phelan adjourned the matter to next week.
Places mentioned
- High Court
- Court of Appeal
- Central Criminal Court
- Wheatfield Prison
Topics
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