Armed robbers have sentences reduced

Two men who attempted an armed robbery on a bookmaker returning from Fairyhouse Racecourse on the day on the Irish Grand National have had their jail sentences reduced from eight to six years by the Court of Criminal Appeal.

In March 2007 Noel Boylan (aged 33), of Fortlawn Park, Blanchardstown, and Gerard Claxton (aged 32), of Bramblefield Park, Clonee, pleaded guilty to the attempted armed robbery of Mr John Carty on Deansgrange Road in Dublin and to possession of firearms on April 17, 2006.

Judge Michael White, at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, jailed both men for eight years.

Both, who were part of a four-man gang, appealed the severity of those sentences.

Today, the Court of Criminal Appeal, Mr Justice Nial Fennelly presiding, sitting with Mr Justice Declan Budd and Mr Justice Kevin O'Higgins, reduced the sentences by two years, subject to certain conditions.

The CCA held that while there was nothing wrong with the eight-year sentences imposed, they were giving both men "light at the end of the tunnel".