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Victim left with lifelong brain injuries after punches
Summary
Aaron O'Donoughoe, a 21-year-old from Greystones, pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to assault causing serious harm in Temple Bar on April 20, 2014. The court heard that O'Donoughoe punched Gerard McManus, who subsequently suffered bleeding and swelling on the brain, resulting in lifelong injuries including balance issues and impaired cognitive processing. O'Donoughoe admitted to striking the victim again while he was on the ground. Judge Martin Nolan noted that the Court of Appeal had previously judged this specific offence as deserving of a sentence of up to twelve-and-a-half years. However, considering O'Donoughoe's difficult background, his remorse, and the fact that he did not intend to cause a brain injury, the judge imposed a five-year custodial sentence. The prosecution argued the offence was on the upper end of the seriousness scale. O'Donoughoe stated he reacted after the victim allegedly used a racial slur and threatened him. The matter was finalised with the imposition of the five-year term.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Victim left with lifelong brain injuries after punches. Charges or matters: assault causing serious harm in Temple Bar on April 20, 2014. Procedural stage: appeal
When:
- April 20, 2014 Incident
- 2016-12-16 Publication
Why: He said he told Mr McManus numerous times he was going to "kick his head in" because the victim was "pestering" him about giving him a can of cider. CNI source report
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: assault causing serious harm in Temple Bar on April 20, 2014 (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: Judge Martin Nolan noted this offence had been judged by the Court of Appeal to be deserving of a sentence of up to twelve-and-a-half years.
Places mentioned
- Redford Park
- Dublin
- Dublin Circuit Criminal Court
- Court of Appeal
Topics
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