Man attacked family members with fire extinguisher

A man has been convicted of assaulting his brother and sister-in-law with a fire extinguisher during a family gathering in Dublin. David Fludgate (39) pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to causing them harm at a public house on Old Lucan Road, Palmerstown on 13 December 2015. The incident occurred during their father's 70th birthday party following a dispute about helium balloons. CCTV evidence showed Fludgate swinging the extinguisher twice at his brother, Noel Fludgate, and once at Tracy Fludgate, causing both to fall to the ground. Noel Fludgate sustained a head wound requiring seven staples, while his wife received treatment for injuries. Fludgate, who is currently residing at hostel accommodation on Longford Street Little, was sentenced to 21 months imprisonment. The judge noted the assaults were serious but reduced the headline sentence of four years due to his guilty plea and rehabilitation efforts.