Courts / Wicklow / Report
Mum-of-eight who booked hotel stays with gunman husband during garda manhunt gets suspended sentence
Summary
Jenifer Devine, a mother of eight, was given a suspended sentence for withholding information about her husband's involvement in the murder of her brother-in-law. Devine had fled with her husband, Christopher Devine, who was later convicted of murder. The court heard that Devine was afraid of her husband, who was described as a 'snake' and had a history of significant violence. Devine pleaded guilty to withholding information during the four-day period following the murder. The judge noted that Devine was the sole carer for her two youngest children while her husband was serving a life sentence. The court acknowledged her mental distress and the chaotic living conditions she faced. The judge imposed an 18-month suspended sentence, taking into account her guilty plea, lack of recent convictions, and her role as a primary carer. The victim's family expressed a significant rift due to the incident, and Devine's victim impact statement highlighted the emotional toll on her and her family. Christopher Devine pleaded not guilty.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Mum-of-eight who booked hotel stays with gunman husband during garda manhunt gets suspended sentence. Charges or matters: murder but guilty to the manslaughter of Mr Tormey (49) at Thomond Road in Ballyfermot in the early hours of January 9, 2022. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- November 26 Hearing Or Sentence
- January 9 Incident
- January 9, 2022 Incident
- January 13 Incident
- 2026-04-30 Publication
Why: Ms Justice Greally said the true motive for the murder remains unknown but it was clear it was linked to Mr Devine's involvement in the supply of drugs. CNI source report
Case subjects
Convicted Person
Charges: murder but guilty to the manslaughter of Mr Tormey (49) at Thomond Road in Ballyfermot in the early hours of January 9, 2022 (Alleged Or Contested)
Plea: Not guilty
Outcome: The judge imposed a sentence of 18 months suspended for a period of 18 months on condition that Ms Devine enter into a bond to keep the peace and be of good behaviour. He asked the judge to leave Ms Devine within the community and mark her offending behaviour with a suspended sentence.
Convicted Person
Charges: murder but guilty to the manslaughter of Mr Tormey (49) at Thomond Road in Ballyfermot in the early hours of January 9, 2022 (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: The judge imposed a sentence of 18 months suspended for a period of 18 months on condition that Ms Devine enter into a bond to keep the peace and be of good behaviour. He asked the judge to leave Ms Devine within the community and mark her offending behaviour with a suspended sentence.
Places mentioned
- The Central Criminal Court
- Kylemore Road
- Thomond Road
- Thomond Road
Topics
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