Courts / Dublin / Report

Zimbabwean man suffering from schizophrenia punched passing pensioner

Date
2017-02-15

Stage
Sentence

Primary locality
Crumlin

County
Dublin

Summary

Ruzmond Muwaniri, 27, a Zimbabwean man with schizophrenia, pleaded guilty to assault causing harm to two men in separate incidents on 9 March 2015 and 21 May 2015. He had missed several medication appointments around the time of the assaults. In the first incident, he punched a 67‑year‑old pensioner on Cheeverstown Road, Tallaght, knocking him off his bicycle and causing a broken eye socket and other injuries. In the second, he punched a man named Mr Aidan Green in the mouth, breaking his top front teeth. Muwaniri claimed he believed the victims were racially abusing him. He has 60 prior convictions, including a 2013 two‑year sentence for domestic violence. The case was adjourned to seek guidance on a care package for Muwaniri before sentencing next month.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Zimbabwean man suffering from schizophrenia punched passing pensioner. Charges or matters: assault causing harm to the two men at separate locations on March 9, 2015 and on May 21, 2015. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

March 9, 2015 Incident
May 21, 2015 Incident
2017-02-15 Publication

Why: Ruzmond Muwaniri (27) is also awaiting sentence for punching a man in the face and smashing his teeth because he mistakenly believed the victim was racially abusing him. CNI source report

Case subjects

Ruzmond Muwaniri

Convicted Person

Charges: assault causing harm to the two men at separate locations on March 9, 2015 and on May 21, 2015 (Admitted)

Plea: Guilty

Outcome: In 2013 he was jailed for two years for severely beating his then partner and throwing an electric heater at her. Defence counsel, Pieter Le Vert BL, told the court that at some point after serving the sentence ultimately imposed for these offences Muwaniri would have to be returned to the community and there would need to be multidisciplinary supports in place.; Judge Melanie Greally adjourned the case in custody until next month in order to seek guidance on the mechanics of establishing a dedicated care package for Muwaniri.