Catherine Nevin, who is serving a life sentence for the murder of her husband Tom in 1996, returned to the Central Criminal Court this morning for sentencing on the three convictions for soliciting to murder. Miss Justice Mella Carroll imposed three concurrent 7-year sentences for soliciting John Jones, Gerry Heapes and William McClean in 1989 and 1990. She refused a certificate for leave to appeal.
Eight weeks into her life sentence for murdering her husband, Catherine Nevin looked relaxed and composed when she returned to court from Mountjoy Prison today. She emerged smiling from the van that brought her to the court, wearing a red and black check suit. The sentencing hearing on the crimes of soliciting to murder was brief. Superintendent Pat Flynn, who led the investigation, told the court that, because of her previous lifestyle, she might find custody more difficult than the ordinary person.
In mitigation her senior counsel, Patrick McEntee, cited her age, the state of her health, the absence of any previous convictions and her exemplary work record. Before imposing three concurrent 7-year sentences, Miss Justice Mella Carroll told her that she did not intend giving her a lecture on what happened. Mrs Nevin's sister and brother joined her in court this morning and Tom Nevin's family watched the public benches.
Catherine Nevin is only the second person in this country to be convicted of soliciting to murder. The crime carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years. Galway man Pat Gillane is serving eight years for soliciting two men to murder his wife, Philomena.
