Courts / Dublin / Report
Addict tried to stab man outside Courts of Criminal Justice over alleged "bad" heroin sale
Summary
A 26‑year‑old heroin addict, Keith Smith, was jailed for 18 months after attempting to stab a man outside the Courts of Criminal Justice building. Smith, who was experiencing withdrawal symptoms, believed he had been sold poor‑quality heroin in a previous transaction and launched the attack on February 20, 2015. He pleaded guilty to assault with intent to commit bodily harm at the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. Judge Melanie Greally noted Smith's motivation was to obtain "bad or bogus" heroin and that he was "full of adrenaline" on the day. The judge imposed a three‑year sentence, suspending the final 18 months. Smith had 11 prior convictions and was on methadone at the time of the offence. The victim sustained no injuries. The incident occurred in a CCTV‑covered area and was stopped by Gardaí. The court heard that Smith had a long history of homelessness and heroin addiction.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Addict tried to stab man outside Courts of Criminal Justice over alleged "bad" heroin sale. Charges or matters: assault with intent to commit bodily harm outside the CCJ, Parkgate Street on February 20, 2015. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- February 20, 2015 Incident
- 2017-01-19 Publication
Why: A heroin addict who tried to stab a man outside the Courts of Criminal Justice building because he believed he had been sold poor quality heroin has been jailed for 18 months. CNI source report
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: assault with intent to commit bodily harm outside the CCJ, Parkgate Street on February 20, 2015 (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: Judge Greally imposed a three year sentence and suspended the final 18 months.
Places mentioned
- Conyngham Road
- Dublin
- Dublin
- Dublin Circuit Criminal Court
- Parkgate Street
- Phoenix Park
Topics
Drugs Stage Sentence Violent Crime
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