Victim left with epilepsy after unprovoked attack in city centre

A man has been sentenced to three and a half years in prison following a serious unprovoked assault in Dublin city centre. Daryl Cassells, aged 27 and of no fixed abode, attacked a man outside Burger King on Grafton Street at approximately 1am on 19 July 2019. The victim sustained significant injuries including a brain bleed, skull fracture, and fractured eye socket. He suffered seizures during transport to St James Hospital and was admitted for eight days. The assault subsequently resulted in the development of epilepsy, affecting the victim's employment prospects and quality of life. Cassells pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. Judge Pauline Codd noted the serious nature of the unprovoked attack and the significant injuries inflicted. She suspended the final six months of the sentence on condition that Cassells keep the peace and be of good behaviour for one year, and cooperate with probation services. The sentence was backdated to account for time already served in custody.