2020-11-17
Arsonist who caused over €1m in damage to gym loses appeal
Stage: Appeal
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: He appealed the severity of his sentence, with his counsel Dean Kelly SC telling the three-judge Court of Appeal that Harte had pleaded guilty and was at low risk of reoffending. Judge Codd set a headline sentence of 11 years but reduced this to nine years after noting evidence that Harte was petrified because of a drug debt and was worried for the safety of his family.