Courts / Wexford / Report
Three day bender saw student believe British army were "after him", court hears
Summary
Liam McCann, 26, of Enniscorthy, pleaded guilty to false imprisonment, damage to a house and unlawful car removal on 11 August 2014. He was sentenced to three years' imprisonment, with the final six months suspended. McCann claimed he had been drinking and taking drugs for two or three days before the incident, and that he believed the British army and gardaí were after him. He allegedly entered the victim's home with a knife to his own throat, took a car, and fled across fields and a river before being arrested. The Court of Appeal heard that McCann was a first‑time offender with a good character record, had completed significant third‑level education, and had shown remorse. His appeal outcome is pending. The court reserved judgment.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Three day bender saw student believe British army were "after him", court hears. Charges or matters: the false imprisonment of a woman, damage to her house and the unlawful taking of a car at her home near Scarawalsh, Co Wexford on August 11, 2014. Procedural stage: appeal
When:
- August 11, 2014 Hearing Or Sentence
- 2016-04-14 Publication
Why: His barrister, Colman Cody SC, told the court that because of his "self-induced" state, McCann "harboured delusional beliefs" that the British army and gardaí were after him. CNI source report
Case subjects
Appellant
Charges: the false imprisonment of a woman, damage to her house and the unlawful taking of a car at her home near Scarawalsh, Co Wexford on August 11, 2014 (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: He was sentenced to three years imprisonment with the final six months suspended by Judge Barry Hickson last November. Mr Cody contended that his client should have bene given a wholly suspended sentence having regard to the mitigating factors.
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