Courts / Dublin / Report

Dad-of-two punched stranger in face

Summary

Colin O'Kelly, 36, was given a two‑year suspended sentence after pleading guilty to assault causing harm to Dominic O'Keefe at Finnstown Castle Hotel in Lucan on 1 May 2015. O'Kelly had been attending a funeral that day and, in the early hours, punched O'Keefe twice in the face, fracturing his cheekbone. O'Keefe, who had just attended a wedding, was left unable to eat solid foods for three weeks and out of work for six weeks, which he said led to his restaurant failing. O'Kelly had no prior convictions, had expressed deep remorse, and was caring for a seriously ill child. The judge, Patricia Ryan, noted mitigating factors and accepted a €3,000 payment to O'Keefe as an expression of remorse. The sentence was suspended for two years.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Dad-of-two punched stranger in face. Charges or matters: assault causing harm to Mr O'Keefe at Finnstown Castle Hotel in Lucan on May 1, 2015. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

• May 1, 2015 Incident
• 2017-07-25 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Sentence Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report