Longford man up for assault gets 150 hours community service after probation breach
The defendant of Grian Ard, Ardnacassa, Longford appeared in Longford Circuit Court last week in relation to an assault on May 13 2021 at 24 Canal Court, Longford
A Longford man has been sentenced to 150 hours' community service after a judge reactivated a suspended sentence when the defendant failed to engage with the probation services as directed.
Hughie Nevin of Grian Ard, Ardnacassa, Longford appeared in Longford Circuit Court last week in relation to an offence on May 13 2021 at 24 Canal Court, Longford when he assaulted the now deceased victim.
The judge set a headline sentence of two years and nine months for the charge in June 2023 and mitigation allowed him to suspend the last six month of the sentence.
However, when Mr Nevin failed to engage with the probation services in an adequate manner the six month suspended sentence was triggered and reactivated.
Presiding Judge Kenneth Connolly heard the defendant had a release date in relation to the assault matter of September 8, 2024 and on the expiration of that sentence he then commenced a further sentence of four years with 18 months suspended for a separate offence of demanding money with menaces.
Counsel for the defendant, Andrea Callan BL, addressed Judge Connolly and said Mr Nevin is on two suspended sentences.
She explained that includes the six months from the original matter in 2023 and the next matter, an 18-month suspended sentence, which commenced on July 16, 2026.
Ms Callan asked Judge Connolly if he would consider allowing Mr Nevin to complete community service instead of more prison time.
"He is suitable for probation, he is suitable for community service and I believe the probation officer is happy and she can obviously give her own evidence."
Ms Callan also stated her client is very anxious to deal with the matters.
"He is a gentleman who has a number of personal difficulties so I would ask if the court might tailor the number of hours he might be required to serve to his personal circumstances," she added.
Judge Connolly stated that it was a 'very brave application in the circumstances when Mr Nevin is about three metres from the prison door'.
However, Ms Callan said while she appreciated that it was a notable ask she felt she would not be doing her job unless she presented all the facts and made the request.
Judge Connolly said he would revoke the suspension on the final six months of the sentence imposed, but he would not impose a six month custodial sentence.
"What I will do is based on the report I received today from Ann Marie Jones, probation officer and on the basis of Mr Nevin's consent I will substitute that period of six months imprisonment with 150 hours of community service," he added.