Farmer’s Sentence Reduced by 18 Months After Aunt’s Death

UPDATE: A farmer who tragically killed his elderly aunt has had his prison sentence reduced by 18 months following a successful appeal. Michael Scott, aged 61, drove over Chrissie Treacy, 76, with an agricultural teleporter outside her home in Portumna, county Galway, on April 27, 2018. This urgent ruling was made by Mr Justice Brian O’Moore in the Court of Appeal.

The court initially sentenced Scott to six years in prison for manslaughter due to gross negligence. However, after considering factors such as his remorse and family status, the sentence was reduced to four years and six months. A tearful Scott embraced family members before being taken back to prison to serve his sentence.

During the appeal, Mr Justice O’Moore described Scott’s actions as “thuggish” and noted his negligence in driving the teleporter without proper lookout, contributing to the deadly incident. The judge disagreed with the earlier ruling that warranted an eight-year headline sentence, stating it was an error in judgment.

On the day of the tragedy, Scott had received a letter from an agricultural consultant advising him against claiming payments for land he co-owned with his aunt. He claimed he was reversing the teleporter when he felt a “thump” and initially thought he had hit a trailer. It was only after exiting the vehicle that he discovered his aunt lying on the ground.

Scott’s history with his aunt had reportedly been contentious, involving a long-running dispute over land ownership. Just before her death, concerns had been raised regarding Treacy’s welfare due to their relationship. Witnesses testified about Scott’s aggressive behavior towards Treacy, which included a prior incident where he drove a friend of hers off the road.

The court highlighted aggravating factors, including a dirty rear window obstructing Scott’s view and a missing mirror on the teleporter. Despite these elements, Scott’s defense argued that the initial sentence was disproportionately severe, emphasizing his lack of prior convictions and low risk of reoffending.

After the ruling, Scott’s future remains uncertain as he continues to serve his sentence. The implications of this case resonate deeply within the local community, raising concerns about familial disputes and their tragic consequences.

As this case develops, observers will be watching closely for possible reactions from both the community and legal experts regarding the implications of the reduced sentence.