BREAKING: DPP makes major decision in sentencing case of Joe Drennan killer
University of Limerick journalism student was killed in hit-and-run
THE DIRECTOR of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has formally appealed the "undue leniency" of the sentence handed down to the man whose dangerous driving resulted in the death of Joe Drennan.
Members of Joe Drennan's family have confirmed the move to the Limerick Voice newspaper this Wednesday.
Joe's mother Marguerite said the family had been notified of the appeal just a day after members of the Drennan family were asked to leave the DPP's office or the Gardaí would be called.
“We got the appeal! It’s great news, thank God. We are delighted and we want to thank everyone who has helped support our campaign,” she told the University of Limerick student newspaper, which will be released alongside the Limerick Leader next week.
There had been widespread criticism of the sentence given to Kieran Fogarty, who pleaded guilty to dangerous driving
causing the death of Mr Drennan who was waiting at a bus stop at the Dublin Road on October 13, 2023.
Judge Colin Daly imposed a six-and-a-half-year jail sentence on Fogarty, aged 21, of Hyde Avenue, Ballinacurra Weston, for killing Joe Drennan.
He said this would be consecutive to an eight-year term for shooting up a house as part of gangland feud.
Judge Daly then said it was to be served concurrently after prosecuting barrister John O'Sullivan sought clarification.
The Drennan family said this was “disgusting” and an “insult” as Fogarty “would not serve anything” for Joe’s death.
They say Joe was never in trouble a day in his life but now after his death he has been mixed up in serious criminality
through the sentence imposed.
The Drennan family started a campaign calling on the DPP to make the “right and early decision” regarding appealing the
sentence.
It's not the first occasion in recent times the DPP has stepped in.
Last year, it ordered a review on the case of soldier Cathal Crotty who assaulted Natasha O'Brien in Limerick city centre.
He was initially given a suspended sentence. That was upgraded to a custodial term last month upon appeal.