Court increases jail sentences for Louth pair

A Louth man and woman jailed for three years in connection with the death of a father-of-one, who was violently kicked and beaten at a Christmas party more than four years ago, have had their sentences increased today, after a successful appeal by the Director of Public Prosecutions.

The Court of Criminal Appeal this morning increased by a total of three-and-a-half years the “unduly lenient” sentences imposed on Louise Wall (aged 23) and Michael Cruise (aged 21) for violent disorder at Rowan Heights, Drogheda in December 2007, where barber Darren McKeown (aged 29) was attacked in circumstances described as violent, distressing and humiliating.