Courts / Dublin / Report
Sentence imposed on sex attacker Anthony Lyons found to be "unduly lenient"
Summary
In a 2013 appeal, the Court of Criminal Appeal ruled that the six‑month custodial sentence imposed on aviation broker Anthony Lyons for a violent sexual assault was unduly lenient. Judge John Murray explained that the appeal court had decided to allow the Director of Public Prosecutions' challenge to the six‑year sentence with five‑and‑a‑half years suspended that Judge Desmond Hogan had imposed in July 2012. The court noted that the mitigating factors presented could not justify suspending all but six months of the custodial term, given the gravity of the offence. Lyons, 52, had pleaded not guilty to the assault of a 27‑year‑old victim, who was tackled and sexually assaulted on a dark stretch of road. He was arrested after a passer‑by intervened, denied the offence initially, and later admitted it, claiming an "irresistible urge" caused by medication.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Sentence imposed on sex attacker Anthony Lyons found to be "unduly lenient". Charges or matters: the sexual assault of the then 27-year-old victim. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- July 2012 Hearing Or Sentence
- December 2012 Hearing Or Sentence
- 2013-11-18 Publication
Case subjects
Respondent
Charges: the sexual assault of the then 27-year-old victim (Alleged Or Contested)
Plea: Not guilty
Outcome: The Court of Criminal Appeal has found that the six-month custodial sentence imposed on high-profile aviation broker Anthony Lyons for a violent sexual assault was "unduly lenient". Presiding judge Mr Justice John Murray this afternoon said the appeal court had decided to allow the appeal brought by the Director of Public Prosecutions against the sentence of six years with five-and-a-half years suspended imposed on Lyons by Judge Desmond Hogan in July 2012. "The court has reached its decision on the grounds that the mitigating grounds tendered, taken globally, could not in principle justify the suspension of all but six months of the custodial sentence, having regard to the gravity of the offence," Mr Justice Murray said.
Places mentioned
Topics
Sexual Offences Stage Sentence Violent Crime
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