Courts / Ireland / Report

Lifer injured in 1997 shoot-out with British police seeks release

Date
2017-03-27
Stage
Sentence

Summary

Michael Boyle, a 68‑year‑old inmate at Dublin's Wheatfield Prison, has filed a High Court action seeking his release. Boyle was convicted in 1997 in London of attempted murder and possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life, receiving three life sentences. The offence involved an attempt on the life of Mr Tony Brindle, who survived after Boyle fired several shots. Boyle was shot by police during the incident, sustaining injuries that now keep him largely bedridden. He was repatriated to Ireland to serve his sentence and, in December 2015, the Parole Board recommended a release plan within nine months. Boyle argues that, despite this recommendation, he remains in prison without justification, claiming a breach of his constitutional rights and the European Convention on Human Rights. He seeks an order directing the Minister for Justice to release him and a declaration that his continued detention is unlawful.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Lifer injured in 1997 shoot-out with British police seeks release. Procedural stage: sentence. Findings: Found guilty

When:

Case subjects

Dublin's Wheatfield Prison

Applicant

Outcome: In 1997 Boyle received three life sentences after he was found guilty by a London Court of the attempted murder of a man he was contracted to kill and possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life.; The judge, noting the urgency of the matter, said he would try and have the matter heard as soon as possible and adjourned the case to a date in May.

Michael Boyle

Applicant

Finding: Found guilty

Outcome: Found guilty; In 1997 Boyle received three life sentences after he was found guilty by a London Court of the attempted murder of a man he was contracted to kill and possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life. The court heard that Boyle, who was repatriated back to Ireland from the UK to serve out his sentence several years ago, has mobility problems and now spends most of his time in the bed in his cell.; The judge, noting the urgency of the matter, said he would try and have the matter heard as soon as possible and adjourned the case to a date in May.

Places mentioned

Court Venue
  • High Court
Facility
  • Dublin's Wheatfield Prison
Address Area
  • London street

Topics

Firearms Stage Sentence Violent Crime

Read the original CNI report

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