Axe and pole used in ‘frightening’ daylight attack on Louth family home, court hears

By Francis Carroll, The Drogheda Independent

An attack on a family home in a Dundalk housing estate which occurred more than 10 years ago has been recalled at the circuit court.

Stephen McMahon (35) received suspended sentences for his part in an incident which occurred on Sunday, January 25, 2015.

The defendant pleaded guilty to charges of affray and assault, while criminal damage and possession of an article offences were taken into consideration.

The case had been subject of a trial in 2022 but the jury was discharged and guilty pleas entered.

Mr McMahon was one of a number of people who descended on the house in Fatima Park.

Another man used an axe to break down a garage door. The defendant struck one victim on the forehead with a long pole leaving a large wound.

The crowd dispersed when Gardaí arrived.

The victim’s wife was cooking Sunday lunch at the time and said it was the most frightening day of her life and witnessed by one of her grandchildren.

Judge Dara Hayes said that it was a terrifying event and had a significant impact on the family.

Mr McMahon was not the instigator but an active participant in a violent incident.

The court noted that he had provided clean urinalysis, made restitution and expressed remorse.

Concurrent three-year sentences, suspended for three years, were imposed. Conditions include that the defendant has no contact with the family in question.