Family of Donegal woman killed by ex say his planned release is 'sickening insult'
Mother-of-two Jasmine McMonagle was found dead at her home in Killygordon in January 2019
Jasmine McMonagle was beaten and stabbed by her partner, Richard Burke, in 2019
The family of a young Donegal woman killed by her former partner have said they have been given a "life sentence" but he will be out in just four years.
Mother-of-two Jasmine McMonagle was found dead at her home in Killygordon in January, 2019.
The 27-year-old had been beaten and strangled to death.
Her body was found following a three hour stand-off with Gardai at the scene.
Richard Burke
In May, 2023, Richard Burke from Donegal Town was found guilty of the manslaughter of Jasmine and jailed for 14 years.
The 32 year old had pleaded not guilty to the murder of Jasmine at her home at Forest Park on January 4th, 2019 but did plead guilty to her manslaughter.
At the time of his sentencing, Jasmine's mother Jacqueline said of Burke, "the only word that comes to mind is evil".
She said the day os her daughter's killing "my world fell apart", adding her daughter was always a kind and generous person.
Jasmine McMonagle was beaten and stabbed by her partner, Richard Burke, in 2019
Today's News in 90 Seconds - June 12th
She told the court Jasmine had always loved spending time with her family and said Christmas was a special time for them but the holiday "means nothing to me anymore".
"I feel traumatised and I still have difficulty believing I will never see my daughter again," Ms McMonagle said.
"The pain I feel is indescribable. I do not feel like the person I once was, I had my daughter taken from me in the most horrific way."
This week Jasmine's family issued a statement saying Burke's planned release in four years time is a "sickening insult" to Jasmine.
The statement on the family's Smile for Jasmine' Facebook page said "A lifetime sentence for the family for what Richard Burke did. Jasmine's life stole.
"Set for release in July 2029. Four years from now. A sickening insult to Jasmine and a disgusting reflection on the legal system.
"Free to roam the streets again after 10 short years. Thank you to everyone for your continued support."
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