An eight-year prison sentence imposed on a student who stabbed his friend through the heart during a row over music was reduced to five years by the Court of Criminal Appeal (CCA) yesterday.
In July 2004, James Keenan, now 21, from Bayside Square East, Bayside, Dublin, pleaded guilty to the manslaughter of Jonathan Durran (18), Dublin Road, Sutton, on February 24th, 2002.
Det Sgt Gary Kelly told the sentencing judge that Mr Durran and another friend had been drinking in a bar, and got a taxi back to Keenan's house where they drank gin and 7-up. Keenan's mother and stepfather were on their way into town.
He said a row developed over the music being played, and continued in the kitchen. Mr Durran picked up a pot and hit Keenan. Keenan told gardaí he picked up a knife but did not intend to use it. Keenan had thrust the knife into Mr Durran's chest, and Mr Durran fell face down on to the knife.
Counsel for Keenan said his client was genuinely remorseful.
At the CCA yesterday, Mr Justice Nicholas Kearns said the deceased's family had adopted an attitude which was not vengeful. Nonetheless, the court would be failing in its duty if it did not impose a custodial sentence.