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 their parents and the older son's girlfriend. The Court of Appeal, presided over by Mr Justice George Birmingham, upheld the sentence imposed by Judge Rory McCabe at Castlebar Circuit Criminal Court in February 2016. The court determined that whilst severe, the 15-year term was appropriate given the gravity of the offence and fell within the available sentencing range. The appeal was dismissed.
Court upholds 15-year sentence for violent burglar who "hacked and slashed" 11-year-old
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Source: Courts News Ireland
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