Keenan, R v [2018] NICC 6 (11 May 2018)

Keenan, R v [2018] NICC 6 (11 May 2018)

The minimum term was set at 12 years, reflecting a starting point of 16 years aggravated by the defendant's violent conduct and criminal record, with minor mitigation for remorse and spontaneity, and a 25% discount for a timely guilty plea.

Citation
[2018] NICC 6
Parties
Prosecution: The Queen; Defendant: Christopher Patrick Keenan
Jurisdiction
Northern Ireland
Judgment Date
11 May 2018
Procedural Posture
Criminal / Sentencing
Outcome
Defendant sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 12 years before eligibility for parole.
Legal Topics
Murder, Sentencing, Minimum Term, Guilty Plea, Tariff Determination
Criminal Law Murder Sentencing Minimum Term Guilty Plea Tariff Determination

Case Brief

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Parties

The Queen

Prosecution

Christopher Patrick Keenan

Defendant

Procedural Posture

Criminal / Sentencing

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Determination of minimum term for life sentence in murder case
  2. 2 Appropriate starting point for tariff under Practice Statement guidelines
  3. 3 Consideration of aggravating and mitigating factors

Ratio Decidendi

The minimum term was set at 12 years, reflecting a starting point of 16 years aggravated by the defendant's violent conduct and criminal record, with minor mitigation for remorse and spontaneity, and a 25% discount for a timely guilty plea.

Court Disposition

Defendant sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 12 years before eligibility for parole.

Orders

  • Credit for 753 days served on remand.
  • Sentence to commence from 23 March 2018.