Courts / Dublin / Report

Youth involved in attack marked by racial abuse, where victim lost sight in one eye, has sentence cut on appeal

Date
2016-02-26

Stage
Appeal

Primary locality
Tallaght

County
Dublin

Summary

Aaron Shattock, aged 20, pleaded guilty to assault causing harm at the M50 exit 11 pedestrian walkway in Tallaght on 21 August 2013. The assault, which involved racial abuse and a stick thrown at an Iraqi immigrant, caused the victim to lose sight in one eye. Shattock was originally sentenced to three‑and‑a‑half years' imprisonment, with the final 18 months suspended, by Judge Martin Nolan on 17 April 2015. On appeal, the Court of Appeal, led by Mr Justice Garrett Sheehan, found that the sentencing judge had not given sufficient consideration to the "perfect mitigation" Shattock presented, including remorse, youth, good character and employment. The Court therefore reduced the suspended portion, leaving the three‑and‑a‑half‑year term in place but suspending the final two years, thereby cutting the overall jail term. The decision was delivered alongside Mr Justice George Birmingham and Mr Justice Alan Mahon.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Youth involved in attack marked by racial abuse, where victim lost sight in one eye, has sentence cut on appeal. Charges or matters: assault causing harm at the M50 exit 11 pedestrian walkway on August 21, 2013. Procedural stage: appeal

When: