Man who attempted to bludgeon sleeping wife to death loses appeal

Joanna Benko had been left with lifelong serious debilitating injuries as a result of the attack and would 'never lead an independent life or be able to care for her own child', judge said

In a written judgement delivered on Thursday, Ms Justice Úna Ní Raifeartaigh said 'there was no error in principle in the ultimate sentence of 15 years the sentencing judge arrived at'. Picture: Collins Courts

A husband who had attempted to bludgeon his sleeping wife to death with a lump hammer on her birthday has lost his bid to have his 15-year sentence reduced.

Andrzej Benko, 50, had pleaded not guilty to attempting to murder Joanna Benko at their house at Ladyswell Road, Mulhuddart, Dublin on July 5, 2010.