'Thuggish' farmer who killed elderly aunt has sentence reduced

Remorse, lack of previous convictions, long work history, status as a family man, and his low risk of reoffending were taken into account

Michael Scott had been sentenced to six years in prison by Ms Justice Caroline Biggs at the Central Criminal Court but appealed the severity of that penalty.  File Picture: Sasko Lazarov

A farmer who acted in a "thuggish" manner towards his elderly aunt, before causing her death by driving over her in an agricultural teleporter, has had his sentence reduced by 18 months following a successful appeal.

Mr Justice Brian O'Moore on Wednesday said that Michael Scott's negligent behaviour in driving the teleporter outside victim Chrissie Treacy's home without keeping a proper lookout warranted a headline sentence of six years.