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On-bail home invader who dragged car owner along ground has sentence cut
Summary
The Court of Appeal has reduced the prison sentence of Mihail Stingu, who burgled a house, stole a car, and dragged the owner along the ground. The original sentence of 14 years was deemed too high by the Court of Appeal, which imposed a global sentence of ten years and nine months, with the last six months suspended. Stingu, who was on bail for previous criminal damage offences, entered a home in Drogheda, stole items, and stole a car, dragging the owner for ten metres. The homeowner suffered serious road rash burns. The Court of Appeal found that the sentencing judge had erred in setting the headline sentence for burglary at 14 years before considering mitigating factors. The judge noted that the offence was not at the most extreme end and warranted a headline sentence of 11 years. Stingu was also sentenced for four years and nine months for the criminal damage offences. Mihail Stingu pleaded guilty.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: On-bail home invader who dragged car owner along ground has sentence cut. Charges or matters: burglary, endangerment and the unauthorised use of a car arising from the home invasion. Procedural stage: appeal
When:
- May 7, 2024 Hearing Or Sentence
- 2026-07-21 Publication
Case subjects
Appellant
Charges: burglary, endangerment and the unauthorised use of a car arising from the home invasion (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: Mr Justice Paul Burns, delivering judgment following an appeal today, imposed a global sentence of ten years and nine months in prison with the last six months suspended. Judge Dara Hayes at the Circuit Court had previously imposed a post-mitigation sentence of 13 years with the final six months suspended.
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