Courts / Dublin / Report

Double killer Penrose threatened to burn down prison officer's house

Summary

Stephen Penrose, 40, serving a life sentence for murder, was given a concurrent two‑year sentence for threatening to burn down the home of a prison officer at Cloverhill. He admitted saying the words but claimed no intention to act on them. Penrose had prior convictions for manslaughter, assaults on prison officers and a threat to an officer. The threat was made on 4 March 2018 after an alleged complaint by the officer, who was absent from work the next day. Penrose told staff the officer should drop the complaint and threatened to pour petrol through the officer's letterbox. He pleaded not guilty, represented himself, and asked for a backdated sentence and a transcript. Judge Elva Duffy noted his admission of the threat but lack of intent, imposed the two‑year term, and granted credit for time already spent in custody.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Double killer Penrose threatened to burn down prison officer's house. Charges or matters: threatening to damage the property of a named prison officer at Cloverhill prison on March 4, 2018. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

• March 4, 2018 Hearing Or Sentence
• 2023-06-16 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Sentence Violent Crime

Related court reports

• Man charged with having 56k child abuse images and videos remanded on bail
• Ex-Dáil hopeful's allegations against former employer 'complete fantasy', WRC told
• Mater must pay €10k to worker who said he was wrongly accused of abusing patient
• 'I think we know I won't be getting bail' - Daniel Kinahan charged with directing criminal organisation
• Letting agent who claimed alleged domestic violence victim abandoned tenancy by fleeing to refuge must pay €14.7k
• 77-year-old with 470 convictions told Luas staff to 'f**k off'

Read the original CNI report