Courts / Dublin / Report

Former Ireland ice hockey player jailed for assault

Date
2017-03-21
Stage
Sentence
Primary locality
Swords
County
Dublin

Summary

Dublin Circuit Criminal Court sentenced Dubliner Patrick Anderson, a former Ireland ice hockey player, to two years' imprisonment for assaulting his cousins, Graham Dunne and Paul Dunne. Anderson pleaded guilty to assault causing harm at the Wright Venue nightclub in Swords on February 15, 2015. The court heard that Anderson punched and kicked both victims inside the venue and continued the assault outside after security ejected them. Graham Dunne suffered a broken kneecap, which affected his equestrian career and left him at risk of arthritis, while Paul Dunne sustained a broken jaw and psychological trauma. Judge Melanie Greally noted Anderson was a first-time offender with an excellent employment record and sporting history. However, she emphasized the seriousness of the two offences committed in one night and the lasting effects on Graham Dunne. The judge imposed a three-year sentence but suspended the final year on conditions, resulting in an effective custody period of two years. Prosecution counsel Maurice Coffey BL presented evidence that Anderson initiated the violence by punching Graham Dunne after a perceived bump. Defense counsel Ray Boland BL highlighted Anderson's intoxication and lack of prior convictions. An offer of compensation by Anderson was reportedly refused by the victims.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Former Ireland ice hockey player jailed for assault. Charges or matters: assault causing harm to cousins Graham Dunne and Paul Dunne at the Wright Venue on February 15, 2015. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

Case subjects

Dubliner Patrick Anderson

Defendant

Charges: assault causing harm to cousins Graham Dunne and Paul Dunne at the Wright Venue on February 15, 2015 (Admitted)

Plea: Guilty

Former Ireland

Convicted Person

Charges: assault causing harm to cousins Graham Dunne and Paul Dunne at the Wright Venue on February 15, 2015 (Alleged Or Contested)

Outcome: former Ireland ice hockey player has been jailed for two years for assaulting two cousins in a nightclub, leaving them with a broken knee cap and a broken jaw.

Places mentioned

Incident
Court Venue
  • Dublin
  • Dublin Circuit Criminal Court
Residence

Topics

Stage Sentence Violent Crime

Related court reports

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