Courts / Dublin / Report

Dad-to-be struck man on head with golf club in "moment of madness"

Summary

In a case heard at the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, 21‑year‑old Dean Sutcliffe of Cushlawn Park, Tallaght, was found guilty of assault causing serious harm after striking 17‑year‑old Keith Fennelly on the head with a golf club on 3 November 2013. The incident followed an argument between the victim, his brother and Sutcliffe, who was sitting on a wall outside his home. Sutcliffe struck Fennelly from behind with such force that the club's head detached. Fennelly suffered a fractured skull, internal bleeding and required intensive care for several days. Sutcliffe had no prior convictions and was not known to the Gardaí. Judge Elma Sheahan sentenced him to three years' imprisonment, with the final two years suspended, and directed him to engage with Probation Services and undergo anger‑management treatment upon release. The judge noted Sutcliffe's youth, impending fatherhood and lack of previous offences as mitigating factors.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Dad-to-be struck man on head with golf club in "moment of madness". Procedural stage: sentence. Findings: Found guilty

When:

• November 3, 2013 Incident
• 2017-10-06 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Sentence Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report