Courts / Ireland / Report

'Highly desirable' that teen who tried to murder woman is re-sentenced before turning 18

Date
2020-07-06
Stage
Appeal

Summary

The Court of Appeal has ruled that the 17‑year‑old who attempted to murder Stephanie Ng must be re‑sentenced before his 18th birthday to avoid unknown legal implications. The Central Criminal Court had originally sentenced him to 11 years' detention with a review after five years, but the State appealed, arguing the sentence was unduly lenient. The Court of Appeal agreed, noting the premeditated nature of the offence and the high end of the spectrum for attempted murder. The case was adjourned to the end of the month to allow an up‑to‑date psychiatric report. Justice George Birmingham granted the boy a physical hearing on 28 July, stating it was highly desirable to proceed before he turns 18. The boy, who met Ng on the Whisper app and pretended to be 19, lured her to an isolated area, choked her, and slashed her neck with a knife.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: 'Highly desirable' that teen who tried to murder woman is re-sentenced before turning 18. Procedural stage: appeal

When:

Why: The now 17-year-old, who cannot be named because he is a minor, has been in custody since December 2017, when he lured Stephanie Ng to an isolated area at the Sea Front, Queen's Road, Dun Laoghaire. CNI source report

Case subjects

Unnamed 17-year-old

Appellant

Outcome: Credit: Collins) The President of the Court of Appeal has said it is 'highly desirable' that an attempted murderer be sentenced before his 18th birthday to avoid unknown implications. The Central Criminal Court had already sentenced the teenager to 11 years' detention with a review after five years for attempting to murder a woman he met online.; However, the case was adjourned to the end of the month to allow for an up-to-date psychiatric report.

Places mentioned

Court Venue
  • Court of Appeal
  • The Central Criminal Court
  • Central Criminal Court
Address Area
  • Queen's Road

Topics

Stage Appeal Violent Crime

Read the original CNI report

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