Courts / Dublin / Report
Seven-year sentence for killing best friend not unduly lenient, court finds
Summary
In a 2014 appeal, the Court of Appeal upheld a seven‑year prison sentence for Paul Rice, 28, who pleaded guilty to the manslaughter of his best friend Keith Mills, 22, in Ayrfield, Dublin, on 22 December 2008. The original judge, Ms Justice Margaret Heneghan, had suspended the final two years of the term. Rice's conviction followed an assault that began after a two‑day drinking binge, during which Mills was struck with a belt and subsequently suffered severe traumatic brain injuries, leading to his death ten days later. Rice initially offered a false account of the incident but later pleaded guilty. The appeal, brought by the Director of Public Prosecutions, was dismissed; the Court of Appeal found no error in principle in the sentencing judge's decision. Rice remains in custody to serve the remainder of his sentence.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Seven-year sentence for killing best friend not unduly lenient, court finds. Charges or matters: the manslaughter of his former best friend Keith Mills (22) in Ayrfield, Dublin on December 22 2008 following an argument after the pair had been drinking for two days. Procedural stage: appeal
When:
- December 22 2008 Hearing Or Sentence
- July 9 2012 Incident
- 2014-11-20 Publication
Case subjects
Appellant
Charges: the manslaughter of his former best friend Keith Mills (22) in Ayrfield, Dublin on December 22 2008 following an argument after the pair had been drinking for two days (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: Rice (28) was sentenced to seven years imprisonment with the final two suspended by Ms Justice Margaret Heneghan at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court on July 9 2012. Mr Justice Brimingham said that while the court recognised a more severe sentence might well have been imposed on Rice, the Court of Appeal could not say his sentence fell outside the range of sentences available so as to constitute undue leniency.
Places mentioned
- Dublin
- Dublin Circuit Criminal Court
- Court of Appeal
- Beaumont Hospital
Topics
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