Judge Indicates Preference To Hand Life Sentence To Child Murderer

Wednesday, 8 February 2023 15:29

By Caoimhe Harney

The now 17 year old boy is awaiting sentence for the murder of Uransetseg Tserendorj

A judge has indicated his preference to hand down a life sentence to a child murderer with a review date built-in, but has raised concerns about its basis in law.

The boy, who murdered a woman in Dublin in 2021, was due to be sentenced today but his case was adjourned due to what was described as a "yawning gap" in the legislation.

The now 17 year old boy is awaiting sentence for the murder of Uransetseg Tserendorj.

She died after he stabbed her in the neck as she made her way home from her cleaning job in the IFSC two years ago.

He can’t be named because of his age, and the life sentence automatically handed down to adult murderers isn’t mandatory in his case – again, due to his age.

Mr Justice Tony Hunt said he felt a life sentence with a review after 13 years was appropriate.

However, given what he described as deficiencies in the law relating to the powers of the reviewing judge down the line, he felt he couldn’t adopt that approach.

Due to the lack of clarity on the options available to the reviewing judge, he was minded to hand down a life sentence, and leave it in the hands of the Parole Board.

The final order wasn’t made today though. Instead, the judge gave the defence two weeks to consider its position.

More from National News

Sharp Rise In M9 Collisions With Garda Call-Outs Up Year-On-Year

The figures, provided by An Garda Síochána, show a sharp increase compared to previous years.
Councillor Seeks Clarity On How Often Nightclubs and Late Bars In Naas Are Inspected For Fire Risks

Kildare Fire Service says all venues applying to renew their annual dance licence through the District Court were inspected in advance of the hearings.
New Figures From CSO Reveal How Much International Protection Applicants Earn Compared To Average Worker In Ireland

The data also found that a majority of asylum seekers entered the workforce once permitted to do so
Unpaid Eight-Month Work And Training Placement For Adults With Disabilities Branded "Extremely Unfair"

One Kildare mother told Kfm News that their child had been attending structured placements each weekday, typically from around 9:30am to 3pm, and in some cases carrying out tasks for up to two hours at a time - but are not receiving any form of payment.
Department Of Education Defends Kildare SNA Cuts Amid Claims Of Reduced Need At Some Schools

They said there "are many reasons why the level of need for SNA support in schools may fluctuate including falling enrolments, reduced or increased care needs and changing demographics as children move from primary to post-primary schools".
Naas Nurses Threaten Escalation As Staffing Row Deepens

Nurses spoke to Kfm News this week about issues they are dealing with on a daily basis.
Driving Tests Face Disruption As RSA Testers To Strike Next Week

The driving test centre in Naas is the only driving test centre in Kildare and attracts candidates from Kildare, Dublin, Wicklow and Laois.
Jury Delivers Not Guilty By Reason Of Insanity Verdict In Ballyfin Demesne Strangling Case

31-year-old Henry McGowan, from Brooklyn, New York, was found to be having a psychotic episode when he strangled his father to death at the 5-star hotel.