Christopher Roberts sentenced for assault causing harm

This report is a localnews.ie summary based on public court reporting and records; sources are listed below.

Judge Martin Nolan sentenced Christopher Roberts to three and a half years in jail, with the final 18 months suspended on strict conditions, for assault causing harm. Roberts had pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. The assault occurred on O’Connell Street on 24 November 2012. The proceedings were reported on 14 May 2015.

Roberts admitted during Garda interview that he kicked the victim five times in the face, claiming he had stepped in to defend one of his brothers. Garda Alan Murphy said five men, including Roberts and his brothers, had beaten the victim. The Italian national suffered a dislocated and broken shoulder.

Judge Martin Nolan took Roberts’s remorse and dysfunctional family background into account. The victim described continuing shoulder pain, trouble sleeping and reduced movement. His victim impact report also described difficulties socialising and insecurity following the attack.

Roberts had no previous convictions when he committed the offence, although he was later sentenced in the District Court for theft and public order offences. Garda Alan Murphy accepted that Roberts had made full and candid admissions during interview. The report said Roberts apologised for his behaviour and showed some insight. John Fitzgerald BL, defending, said Roberts had taken drink and drugs on the night but had since addressed his addiction.