Courts / Galway / Report
Trespasser at grandad's home has jail term halved on appeal
Summary
Paul Mason, 28, pleaded guilty to trespassing with intent to commit a criminal offence at a house on the Tuam Road, Galway, on 13 October 2013. He was sentenced to three years imprisonment by Judge Rory McCabe on 8 October 2015. On appeal, Mr Justice Garrett Sheehan set aside the original term and imposed a new three‑year sentence with the final 18 months suspended. Mason must enter a good‑behaviour bond for the suspended period. The Court of Appeal noted that the injured party was at home with family when the incident occurred, was assaulted by four men, and was threatened with a bomb if he did not cooperate. Mason was identified in an identification parade and admitted to being in the home but denied giving any message. The Court considered Mason's low risk of reoffending and his health‑related unsuitability for community service. The suspended portion was specifically 18 months, leaving a 30‑month custodial term.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Trespasser at grandad's home has jail term halved on appeal. Charges or matters: trespassing with intent to commit a criminal offence at a house on the Tuam Road, Galway on October 13, 2013. Procedural stage: appeal
When:
- October 13, 2013 Incident
- October 8, 2015 Incident
- 2016-07-18 Publication
Case subjects
Appellant
Charges: trespassing with intent to commit a criminal offence at a house on the Tuam Road, Galway on October 13, 2013 (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: Mason had the final 18 months of a new three year sentence suspended today following a successful appeal. Mr Justice Sheehan, who sat with Mr Justice George Birmingham and Mr Justice John Edwards, set aside Mason's original term and imposed a three year sentence with the final 18 months suspended.
Places mentioned
- Galway
- Galway Circuit Criminal Court
- Court of Appeal
Topics
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