Courts / Dublin / Report

"I love you": last words mother heard from Dale Creighton(20)

Summary

Seven defendants appeared before the Central Criminal Court for sentencing following the death of Dale Creighton, who died from blunt force injuries sustained during an assault on a Tallaght footbridge on New Year's Day 2014. Originally charged with murder, the group pleaded guilty to lesser offences on the 15th day of their trial. Graham Palmer, Ross Callery, Gerard Stevens, Jason Beresford, and David Burke each pleaded guilty to manslaughter. Jason Beresford also pleaded guilty to violent disorder, as did Aisling Burke. James Reid pleaded guilty to possession of a knife with a blade or sharp point. The court heard victim impact statements from Creighton's parents, who expressed their enduring grief and stated they would never forgive those responsible. Counsel for the defendants submitted mitigation, noting that most expressed remorse and had no prior convictions. Aisling Burke's counsel highlighted her status as a mother and her early plea. Graham Palmer's counsel noted his cooperation with Gardaí and admission of involvement in punching and slapping the deceased. David Burke's counsel argued he did not cause serious harm and attempted to stop others. The judge is now considering appropriate sentences for these admitted offences.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: "I love you": last words mother heard from Dale Creighton(20). Charges or matters: manslaughter; possession of a knife; violent disorder. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

• January 1, 2014 Incident
• January 18 Hearing Or Sentence
• January 16, 2017 Incident
• new year Incident
• New Year's Morning Other
• New Year's Eve Other
• 2016-12-22 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Sentence Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report