No reduced sentences for men jailed after ‘brutal’ group assault in west Belfast

[https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/courts/no-reduced-sentences-for-men-jailed-after-brutal-group-assault-in-west-belfast/a1640298511.html](https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/courts/no-reduced-sentences-for-men-jailed-after-brutal-group-assault-in-west-belfast/a1640298511.html)

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Three men jailed for a “brutal” group assault outside a west Belfast social club failed today in a legal attempt to secure reduced sentences.

Judges at the Court of Appeal rejected claims that the prison terms imposed on[ Sean Megaw, 35, Mark McGrann, 40, and Ciaran Fryers, 41](https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/courts/three-jailed-over-attack-linked-to-dissident-republican-group-who-threatened-psni-and-families/869927462.html?bcrFallback=bcrFallback), were manifestly excessive.

The trio were convicted of offences connected to the attack on a man more than five years ago.

Police have claimed the incident was linked to dissident republican group Arm Na Poblachta (ANP).

The 54-year-old victim was forced out of a club and subjected to a “sustained and brutal” assault at Norglen Gardens in September 2018.

He had his head stamped on up to 14 times and was left for dead, according to detectives.

Megaw, of Altan Drive in Belfast, and McGrann, from the Old Colin area of the city, both pleaded guilty to attempted grievous bodily harm with intent.

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In March 2023 they were each sentenced to four-and-a-half years, split equally between periods in custody and on licence.

[Fryers, from Lagmore Avenue in Belfast,](https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/courts/belfast-attempted-murder-accused-fails-in-bid-to-be-released-from-custody/37462385.html?bcrFallback=bcrFallback) admitted a charge of aiding and abetting attempted grievous bodily harm with intent.

He was ordered to serve a 27-month term, with half in custody and the rest on licence.

Lawyers for all three men contended the sentences imposed were too heavy.

But Mr Justice Kinney described arguments based on the extent of harm actually caused to the victim as misconceived.

After viewing CCTV footage of the incident, he said: “This was not an attempt which failed at an early stage in the offending behaviour.

“The fact the victim did not suffer greater harm was simply fortuitous.”

The three defendants’ personal circumstances and credit for their pleas were properly considered, the court held.

Mr Justice Kinney confirmed: “We are satisfied that there is no basis for arguing that the sentences imposed by the judge in relation to each of the applicants were wrong

in principle or manifestly excessive.

“Leave to appeal is therefore refused and the appeal is dismissed.”

by PsychologicalPizza12