Seven men involved in an armed raid on the home of a County Tipperary family have been handed down jail terms ranging from 12 to 20 years.
Clonmel Circuit heard that the crime was at the highest level of gravity for this type of offence.
The men – all with addresses in Dublin – had pleaded guilty to one charge of aggravated burglary at the home of Mark and Emma Corcoran and their three young daughters at Burnchurch near Killenaule almost 2 years ago.
22 year old Dean Byrne of Cabra Park and Patrick Gately age 27, of Primrose Grove, Darndale got the most severe sentences – 20 years with 4 suspended.
John Joyce aged 20 of Lentisk Lawn, Donaghmede has been sentenced to 15 years with 4 suspended.
22 year old Patrick Joyce of Beaumont Hall, Beaumont Woods was sentenced to 14 years by Judge Tom Teehan with 4 suspended
While 20 year old Thomas Flynn of Moatview Avenue, Coolock was given a 12 year jail term with 3 suspended.
23 year old Michael McDonagh of Tara Lawns, Coolock and 22 year old Donal O'Hara from Glin Park in Coolock were both handed 12 years with 7 suspended.
Judge Teehan said crime had shocked the nation, that it had a highly planned nature and that the level of violence was terrifying.
