Courts / Dublin / Report

Jail for man who took part in violent Luas assault

Summary

Aaron Collins, 24, was sentenced to four years' imprisonment with the final two years suspended for violent disorder and assault causing harm to Noel O'Rourke during a Luas incident on 11 December 2014. Collins admitted he swiped a bottle of beer at O'Rourke, striking his eye, and later smashed the bottle on the victim's head. The assault occurred on an outbound Luas red line between Smithfield and Museum stops. O'Rourke, 46, suffered a fractured eye socket, scalp and lip wounds. Collins pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. He had 36 prior convictions, none for violence, and was already serving an 18‑month sentence for a drug offence. The court noted Collins' claim of a misguided act of chivalry and his homelessness and alcohol use at the time. The case involved co‑accused Aoife Molloy and Martin O'Connor, who received partially suspended four‑year sentences. The incident was captured on CCTV, showing the escalation and Collins' involvement.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Jail for man who took part in violent Luas assault. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

• December 11, 2014 Incident
• 2016-11-04 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Drugs Stage Sentence Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report