Courts / Dublin / Report

Pro boxer involved in Copper's assault asks court to strike out charges

Date
2017-06-16
Stage
Sentence
Primary locality
Dublin
County
Dublin

Summary

Jamie Kavanagh, a professional boxer, pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to assaulting a doorman and engaging in threatening or abusive behaviour on Harcourt Street on September 23, 2014. Prosecutors alleged Kavanagh was part of a group that attacked staff at Copper Face Jacks nightclub, though his defence argued he played a minimal role and made no physical contact. Kavanagh's lawyers requested the court strike out the indictment to avoid a conviction that could jeopardise a significant three-year US contract. Judge Elma Sheahan adjourned the case to July 21 to allow the DPP to provide instructions on whether the Circuit Court has jurisdiction to strike out the charges, a power typically associated with the District Court. The judge also suggested Kavanagh provide 20 hours of coaching to a local amateur boxing club. Background persons Paul Rice and Mark Carlyle, identified as the instigators of the violence, were previously jailed after pleading guilty to violent disorder. Rice received a three-year sentence with the final year suspended, while Carlyle received five years with the final 18 months suspended. The matter remains adjourned pending further legal instructions.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Pro boxer involved in Copper's assault asks court to strike out charges. Charges or matters: would normally be dealt with; assaulting the doorman and to engaging in threatening or abusive behaviour on Harcourt Street on September 23, 2014. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

Why: He asked the court to consider doing this because of the minor role Kavanagh played in the brawl. CNI source report

Case subjects

Jamie Kavanagh

Convicted Person

Charges: assaulting the doorman and to engaging in threatening or abusive behaviour on Harcourt Street on September 23, 2014; would normally be dealt with (Admitted)

Plea: Guilty

Outcome: Paul Rice (26) and Mark Carlyle (27), who were the instigators of the brawl and committed the worst of the violence, were previously jailed for their part.; Judge Sheahan adjourned the case to July 21 next and asked the DPP to provide instructions on the defence's submissions.

Mark Carlyle

Background Person

Charges: assaulting the doorman and to engaging in threatening or abusive behaviour on Harcourt Street on September 23, 2014; would normally be dealt with (Alleged Or Contested)

Outcome: Mark Carlyle (27), who were the instigators of the brawl and committed the worst of the violence, were previously jailed for their part. Paul Rice of Allenton Avenue, Tallaght, Dublin and Carlyle of Derry Park, Crumlin, Dublin were jailed on previous dates after pleading guilty to violent disorder on the night.; Judge Sheahan adjourned the case to July 21 next and asked the DPP to provide instructions on the defence's submissions.

Paul Rice

Background Person

Charges: would normally be dealt with (Alleged Or Contested)

Outcome: Paul Rice of Allenton Avenue, Tallaght, Dublin and Carlyle of Derry Park, Crumlin, Dublin were jailed on previous dates after pleading guilty to violent disorder on the night. In April 2016, a Circuit Court judge sentenced Rice to three years' imprisonment but suspended the final year.

Places mentioned

Residence
Court Venue
  • Dublin
  • Dublin Circuit Criminal Court
  • Harcourt Street
Incident

Topics

Stage Sentence Violent Crime

Related court reports

Read the original CNI report

Correction or retraction request

If a fact, identity, locality or legal outcome needs review, email the newsroom with this report's details prefilled.

Email a correction request