Menu
05/05/2015
West Midlands Police Successfully Appeal 'Lenient' Sentence For Child Abuser
A 75-year-old man has been jailed for two years for a series of sex offences against children, after West Midlands Police appealed his suspended sentence.
A Warwick Crown Court in February Thomas Murtagh, of King Richard Street, Coventry, admitted 10 indecent assault charges on two sisters in the late 1960s and 70s, and given a two-year suspended sentence.
However, investigating officers from the force's Public Protection Unit were "driven by the victims' upset at seeing their attacker go free" and decided to work with prosecutors and appeal the sentence.
Detective Constable Clive Leftwich from Coventry Police, said: "The victims in the case were understandably very distressed at the original sentence…it took great courage to report the abuse and to see their attacker walk free left them shocked.
"I'm delighted we've been able to help overturn that decision, though, and that Murtagh has rightly been put behind bars. I've spoken to both women and they are thankful that justice has now been done."
DC Leftwich, added: "The original sentence was clearly too lenient: these were serious sexual offences by someone who, as a family friend, was in a position of trust…trust that he abused in the most horrendous way."
(MH)
A Warwick Crown Court in February Thomas Murtagh, of King Richard Street, Coventry, admitted 10 indecent assault charges on two sisters in the late 1960s and 70s, and given a two-year suspended sentence.
However, investigating officers from the force's Public Protection Unit were "driven by the victims' upset at seeing their attacker go free" and decided to work with prosecutors and appeal the sentence.
Detective Constable Clive Leftwich from Coventry Police, said: "The victims in the case were understandably very distressed at the original sentence…it took great courage to report the abuse and to see their attacker walk free left them shocked.
"I'm delighted we've been able to help overturn that decision, though, and that Murtagh has rightly been put behind bars. I've spoken to both women and they are thankful that justice has now been done."
DC Leftwich, added: "The original sentence was clearly too lenient: these were serious sexual offences by someone who, as a family friend, was in a position of trust…trust that he abused in the most horrendous way."
(MH)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
18 October 2013
Body Of Hamzah Khan Released For Burial
The body of Hamzah Khan has been released for burial, almost four years after he died. The four-year-old's mummified body was found in his cot at his home in Bradford in 2011. A subsequent investigation found that he had died of starvation some time in December 2009. The body was released to his father Aftab Khan.
Body Of Hamzah Khan Released For Burial
The body of Hamzah Khan has been released for burial, almost four years after he died. The four-year-old's mummified body was found in his cot at his home in Bradford in 2011. A subsequent investigation found that he had died of starvation some time in December 2009. The body was released to his father Aftab Khan.
12 April 2006
Community sentence plans for violent abusers
People who beat their partners and later show remorse may escape being jailed under guidelines to tackle domestic violence sentences. The Sentencing Guidelines Council said that offenders who showed "genuine signs of remorse" should be allowed to receive a community order or suspended sentence, instead of a custodial sentence.
Community sentence plans for violent abusers
People who beat their partners and later show remorse may escape being jailed under guidelines to tackle domestic violence sentences. The Sentencing Guidelines Council said that offenders who showed "genuine signs of remorse" should be allowed to receive a community order or suspended sentence, instead of a custodial sentence.
20 May 2014
Pair Who Plotted To Kill Joss Stone Have Sentences Reduced
Two men convicted of plotting to kill singer Joss Stone have had their sentences reduced following an appeal. Junior Bradsahw, 33, from Manchester, has his original 18-year sentence reduced to 10 years by Court of Appeal judges.
Pair Who Plotted To Kill Joss Stone Have Sentences Reduced
Two men convicted of plotting to kill singer Joss Stone have had their sentences reduced following an appeal. Junior Bradsahw, 33, from Manchester, has his original 18-year sentence reduced to 10 years by Court of Appeal judges.
19 July 2012
Coalition's Flagship Free School Scrapped
One of the coalition's flagship free schools has collapsed weeks before it was due to open, allegedly due to a lack of demand from parents.
Coalition's Flagship Free School Scrapped
One of the coalition's flagship free schools has collapsed weeks before it was due to open, allegedly due to a lack of demand from parents.
10 June 2009
Pensioner Given Suspended Sentence For Assault
A pensioner has today been given a suspended sentence after he assaulted an elderly woman. Alfred Young, 73, of Ravenhead Close, Ladybarn, admitted one count of Section 20 assault (causing grievous bodily harm) at Manchester Crown Court Crown Square on Monday 18 May 2009.
Pensioner Given Suspended Sentence For Assault
A pensioner has today been given a suspended sentence after he assaulted an elderly woman. Alfred Young, 73, of Ravenhead Close, Ladybarn, admitted one count of Section 20 assault (causing grievous bodily harm) at Manchester Crown Court Crown Square on Monday 18 May 2009.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
