Courts / Dublin / Report

Man serving 18 years for violent burglary climbed on to prison roof during riot

Summary

Dean Byrne, aged 25, was serving an 18‑year sentence for a 2013 aggravated burglary when he climbed onto the roof of Cloverhill Prison during a riot on 29 May 2015. He remained on the roof for 13 hours, during which he threw a pole down at inmates below. Byrne pleaded guilty to aiding and abetting violent disorder. The Dublin Circuit Criminal Court added six months to his sentence, to be served after the existing term, citing his actions on the roof as a nuisance during the riot. The court noted that Byrne had 122 prior convictions and that he had been in institutions for half his life. The judge refused to reduce the extension, imposing the additional six months as a separate penalty.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Man serving 18 years for violent burglary climbed on to prison roof during riot. Charges or matters: aiding and abetting violent disorder at the prison on May 29, 2015. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

• May 29, 2015 Incident
• May 29 Other
• 2017-12-07 Publication

Why: Counsel asked the judge to accept that he had gotten onto the roof because he was scared. CNI source report

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Burglary 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'

Read the original CNI report