The Director of Public Prosecutions v Campbell (Approved)

1.������ This is an appeal against sentence. On 25 October 2024, following a trial before the Circuit Criminal Court, the appellant was found guilty of two counts of demanding money with menaces contrary to s. 17 of the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act 1994, as amended ('s. 17 offence'). The appellant was acquitted of one count of production of an article contrary to s. 11 of the Firearms and Offensive Weapon Act 1990.�

2.������ On 26 November 2024 the appellant was sentenced to 6 years' imprisonment in respect of Count 1 and a concurrent term of 8 years' imprisonment in respect of Count 2, with the final 12 months suspended on certain terms and conditions.��

3.������ On the evening of 24 February 2019, the appellant attended at the victims' home (situated in a cul-de-sac) where an elderly couple and their two adult sons resided. The father of the house opened the door to the appellant who identified himself and proceeded to indicate that Conor (one of the son's of the house owner) owed him �2,500. The appellant indicated that if he did not get the money from Conor, he would get the money from his family. The other son came to the door and told the appellant to leave the property. As the appellant left, he shouted "this is not over".

4.������ Prior to this incident, several vehicles not associated with the cul-de-sac had been noticed passing the house by members of the family.�

6.������ Conor had not returned to the family home after the first incident. A mobile phone belonging to him had been left in the family home. After the phone was powered up, a call was received on this phone from "Zach Campbell" who demanded his money and wanted to know where Conor was. The other son, who had answered the phone, recognised the voice of the caller as the person who had come to the front door and made the demands for money.� Subsequent facebook searches revealed the appellant to be this individual.���