Courts / Dublin / Report
"Peace maker" left with serious head injury after being knocked to ground by punch
Summary
In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court hearing, Lithuanian man Julian Matiunin, aged 34, was sentenced to three and a half years' imprisonment for assault causing harm after punching Jan Wielgus, aged 46, in the jaw on 21 June 2015 at St Stephen's Green West. Witnesses described Wielgus falling "like a tree" and hearing the crack of his head on pavement. Wielgus suffered severe head injuries, was admitted to intensive care, spent over three weeks in an induced coma, and later returned to hospital with stomach problems from intubation. He continues to suffer headaches and vomiting. Matiunin pleaded guilty and had two prior public order convictions. Judge Karen O'Connor suspended the last 12 months of the custodial term, noting the violent attack on a person walking away and describing Wielgus as a "peace maker" who tried to calm the situation.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: "Peace maker" left with serious head injury after being knocked to ground by punch. Charges or matters: assault causing harm to Mr Wielgus at St Stephen's Green West on June 21, 2015. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- June 21, 2015 Incident
- 2017-07-20 Publication
Why: He returned to hospital the following week because of problems with his stomach from being intubated. CNI source report
Case subjects
Accused
Charges: assault causing harm to Mr Wielgus at St Stephen's Green West on June 21, 2015 (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: Judge Karen O'Connor suspended the last 12 months of the three and half year term after saying that she had "no alternative but to impose a custodial sentence".
Places mentioned
Topics
Public Order Stage Sentence Violent Crime
Related court reports
- Man charged with having 56k child abuse images and videos remanded on bail
- Ex-Dáil hopeful's allegations against former employer 'complete fantasy', WRC told
- Mater must pay €10k to worker who said he was wrongly accused of abusing patient
- 'I think we know I won't be getting bail' - Daniel Kinahan charged with directing criminal organisation
- Letting agent who claimed alleged domestic violence victim abandoned tenancy by fleeing to refuge must pay €14.7k
- 77-year-old with 470 convictions told Luas staff to 'f**k off'
If a fact, identity, locality or legal outcome needs review, email the newsroom with this report's details prefilled.
Email a correction request