Court upholds 15-year sentence for violent burglar who "hacked and slashed" 11-year-old

Michael Maughan, aged 24, of The Campsite, Moneen, Castlebar, Co Mayo, has lost his appeal against a 15-year prison sentence imposed for aggravated burglary. Maughan pleaded guilty to breaking into a caravan on the Turlough Road, Castlebar on 18 November 2013, where he attacked the occupants with a machete whilst wearing a balaclava. The victims, who were asleep, included two young sons aged 18 and 11, along with…