4 more years for burglar who attacked woman, 97

A recidivist burglar who assaulted and threatened to kill a 97-year-old woman in her home has had his six-year jail term increased by four years after a successful appeal by the DPP.

After gaining access to the victim’s home by offering to tidy her gardens, Paul McDonagh, 43, held his hand over the elderly woman’s mouth with such force that it cut her lip and he repeatedly told her he was going to kill her. He then fled with the woman’s purse.

In Dec 2011, McDonagh was sentenced to nine years with three years suspended by Judge Martin Nolan at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court after pleading guilty to making threats to kill, assault of the woman causing harm and burglary of her home in Marino, Dublin, on Jun 8, 2010.