What planet are this jury on-killing of Robbie McCallion

leana

http://www.rte.ie/news/2011/0204/mccallionr.html

Can't believe it, I'm stunned.

Ian Beale

I'd get banned if I posted my thoughts about this, disgraceful.

goldie fish

This is a county where sinn fein topped the poll of a recent by-election. Are you really surprised.

Time to dig that trench outside sligo I think.

Profiler

There is a thread on After Hours in which the point has been made that McGrenaghan pleaded guilty to dangerous driving causing the death of Garda McCallion.

This trial was about whether or not he intentionally hit Garda McCallion.

The Jury believed that it was not McGrenaghan's intention to do so.

(link added)

Delancey

It's worth reflecting on the fact that there have been many instances of those convicted of manslaughter receiving very short or indeed non-custodial sentences whereas those convicted of causing Death by Dangerous Driving have been jailed for several years.
In this context perhaps the charge this gurrier was convicted of is not as important as the sentence he will get ?

leana

goldie fish wrote: »

This is a county where sinn fein topped the poll of a recent by-election. Are you really surprised.

Surprised is probably not a good description, sick to my stomach is.

CaseyRyback

Another prime example of why trial by jury is no longer fit for purpose; people are dumb.

sdanseo

He pleaded guilty to Death (of a Garda) by dangerous driving. Let's hope he gets a good few years for that (what's the maximum, anyone?).

Delancey

Open to correction but I think the maximum sentence is 10 years.

Zambia

Profiler wrote: »

There is a thread on After Hours in which the point has been made that McGrenaghan pleaded guilty to dangerous driving causing the death of Garda McCallion.

This trial was about whether or not he intentionally hit Garda McCallion.

The Jury believed that it was not McGrenaghan's intention to do so.

(link added)

Is Intention a piont of proof in Manslaughter I would have thought that if the consequences of the action were forseeable would be enough.

Derfil

An absolute disgrace. If you heard of it happen in Cairo you'd be shocked. Why can't the judge dismiss the jury on account of insanity and impose a sentence?

Eru

Profiler wrote: »

This trial was about whether or not he intentionally hit Garda McCallion.

The Jury believed that it was not McGrenaghan's intention to do so.

(link added)

No, thats not what the case about at all.

Manslaughter is the non intended killing of a person. If there was intent then it would be murder.

A person died by his direct actions but he did not intend to kill, its the very definition of manslaughter. Just Look at the Lilis case (http://breakingnews.iol.ie/news/ireland/lillis-convicted-of-manslaughter-444109.html) for an idea of how it usually works.

The only logical way to find someone innocent of manslaughter is if A, They weren't acting like a complete moron or B, they didn't cause the persons death in the first place. Does either fit this picture?

So to the jury I say, you have made the world a better place today by siding with the scum over a Garda who gave his life protecting you.

Poccington

I'm ****ing fuming at this decision. I can only imagine what a blow this is to morale in AGS at the moment...

****ing disgraceful.

charlemont

Delancey wrote: »

Open to correction but I think the maximum sentence is 10 years.

No set limit on Manslaughter, You can get Life or suspended and anything in between, But this guy will get a hefty sentence..

Profiler

Zambia wrote: »

Is Intention a piont of proof in Manslaughter I would have thought that if the consequences of the action were forseeable would be enough.

Why then is every case involving death by dangerous driving not charged as manslaughter if intention is not relevant?

Sierra Oscar

This is stunning, in a bad way. :eek:

MissEmcee

charlemont wrote: »

No set limit on Manslaughter, You can get Life or suspended and anything in between, But this guy will get a hefty sentence..

Correct as conviction for dangerous driving causing death are the same as penalties for manslaughter.

Regarding the sentence - based on todays events nothing would surprise me.

PCPhoto

Disgraceful result !!

MagicSean

Profiler wrote: »

Why then is every case involving death by dangerous driving not charged as manslaughter if intention is not relevant?

The difference in this case would be that he knew there were gardai there but continued driving dangerously despite this.

This verdict sickens me. I wouldn't be surprised if he's walkin out of prison in four years or less.

Delancey

Profiler wrote: »

Why then is every case involving death by dangerous driving not charged as manslaughter if intention is not relevant?

The offence of Death by Dangerous Driving is a relatively recent creation , in the past charges of Manslaughter in Road Traffic cases were notoriously hard to prove ( perhaps the example of the unfortunate Garda McCallion is a case in point ) and there were a number of outrageous instances of people receiving mickey mouse punishment after being acquitted of Manslaughter and being convicted instead of stuff like Careless Driving.

While the verdict today seems shocking it may not really matter all that much when it comes to sentencing which I await with interest.

MyPeopleDrankTheSoup

The justice system in this country is a joke. And surely there should be another crime of injuring/killing a garda, separate from regular manslaughter/murder.

Holybejaysus

Hopefully prison justice will catch up with him. Karma can be a right bitch.

Eru

georgiecasey wrote: »

The justice system in this country is a joke. And surely there should be another crime of injuring/killing a garda, separate from regular manslaughter/murder.

THere is for es staff and murdering a Garda is a capital offence but if a jury is going to find him not guilty of manslaughter what chance would anything like that have?

Delancey

I'm surprised that nobody has commented on that other crazy Jury verdict today - the pre-meditated murder of an inmate in Mountjoy by another inmate.
While I can understand the initial reaction of many on this forum would be to write it off as a case of ' a piece of sh1t taking out a piece of shyte ' , I personally find it troubling that a jury could fail to convict of even Manslaughter much less Murder.
In the (unlikely) event of any bankers or developers facing criminal charges arising from the collapse of our banking system can anyone have any confidence in our wonderful jury system ?

tippspur

Disgraceful decision,the jury should be ashamed of themselves.:mad:

source

Profiler wrote: »

Why then is every case involving death by dangerous driving not charged as manslaughter if intention is not relevant?

Because every case involving death by dangerous driving doesn't usually see the offender driving straight at the person that has been killed. It usually entails someone driving like an idiot and getting into an accident with another car.

In my opinion

I always heard it said a Donegal Jury would never find a Donegal man guilty of Murder. Suppose thats part of what happened.

goldie fish

In my opinion wrote: »

I always heard it said a Donegal Jury would never find a Donegal man guilty of Murder. Suppose thats part of what happened.

And the donegal public could never be considered Pro-Garda either.

eroo

My thoughts go out to the family, girlfriend and colleagues of Robbie McCallion. They must be devastated once again. Despite the farcical nature of the judicial system, I wont forget Robbie. Nor will anyone on this forum.

Profiler

foinse wrote: »

Because every case involving death by dangerous driving doesn't usually see the offender driving straight at the person that has been killed. It usually entails someone driving like an idiot and getting into an accident with another car.

It appears the jury don't share your opinion there.

shampon

The slimy little prick had some slimy little prick barrister...court system is broke..