Courts / Dublin / Report

Extortionist who threatened to slit throats of innocent victim's children says 5-year sentence too harsh

Date
2026-01-20
Stage
Appeal
Primary locality
Dublin
County
Dublin

Summary

Dylan Mangan, 27, of Patrick Heaney Crescent, Dublin 1, who pleaded guilty to making unwarranted demands with menace in March 2020, has argued that his five-year sentence was twice as severe as that of his co-accused, Des Smyth. Mangan was jailed for five years by Judge Martin Nolan, who described the threats as menacing and frightening, including threats to kill victims and slit the throats of their children. Smyth was sentenced to four years with the final 18 months suspended for three years. Mangan's legal representative, Paul Carroll SC, argued that the sentencing judge failed to consider the principle of parity and rehabilitation, as Mangan's sentence had no suspended element. He highlighted Mangan's difficult upbringing and issues with gambling. The Director of Public Prosecutions, Jane McCudden BL, defended the judge's decision, stating that Mangan was the lead assailant and had a more culpable role in the premeditated and planned offence. The court reserved judgment on the appeal.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Extortionist who threatened to slit throats of innocent victim's children says 5-year sentence too harsh. Charges or matters: the same offence. Procedural stage: appeal

When:

Case subjects

Des Smyth

Convicted Person

Charges: the same offence (Admitted)

Plea: Guilty

Outcome: He was sentenced to four years with the final 18 months suspended for three years by Judge Orla Crowe on January 17, 2025.

Dylan Mangan

Convicted Person

Charges: the same offence (Admitted)

Plea: Guilty

Outcome: Mr Carroll highlighted the 50% difference between Mangan's sentence and the term imposed on his co-accused. In response, Jane McCudden BL, for the Director of Public Prosecutions, said the judge made no error in drawing a distinction between the sentence imposed on Mangan and that of his co-accused.

Places mentioned

Residence
Court Venue
  • Dublin
  • Dublin Circuit Criminal Court
  • Court of Appeal

Topics

Stage Appeal

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