Courts / Dublin / Report
Man threw punch that "ignited the spark" of prison violence
Summary
In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court hearing, Paul Brennan, aged 29, pleaded guilty to assault causing harm to Prison Officer Michael Delaney at Mountjoy Prison on 23 April 2011. Brennan, who had 56 prior convictions, threw a punch that ignited a violent attack by ten inmates on Delaney, who was head‑butted, punched, kicked and dragged to the ground. Delaney described lasting physical injuries, flashbacks and post‑traumatic stress, and said the assault robbed him of his career and sporting life. Brennan's counsel said he had turned his life around after release in 2012, citing his wife and family as stabilising influences. Judge Melanie Greally noted the incident was serious but limited to a single punch, and adjourned the case for a community service report, indicating a possible two‑year suspended sentence with one year probation and 240 hours community service. The case will return on 16 January 2017.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Man threw punch that "ignited the spark" of prison violence. Charges or matters: assault causing harm to Mr Delaney at Mountjoy Prison on April 23, 2011. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- April 23, 2011 Incident
- January 16, 2017 Hearing Or Sentence
- 2016-11-30 Publication
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: assault causing harm to Mr Delaney at Mountjoy Prison on April 23, 2011 (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: Judge Greally adjourned the case for a community service report and indicated that she was minded to impose a two year sentence suspended on condition he undergo one year probation supervision and carry out 240 hours community service.; Judge Greally adjourned the case for a community service report and indicated that she was minded to impose a two year sentence suspended on condition he undergo one year probation supervision and carry out 240 hours community service.
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