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"Amazing transformation" in drunk teen who kicked stranger in rear
Summary
Mark O'Brien, 21, was sentenced at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court for violent disorder committed on November 21, 2015. O'Brien pleaded guilty to the charge, which involved kicking a stranger in the rear at Central Bank Plaza in Dublin city centre. The incident occurred while the victim was walking with his girlfriend, their three-week-old baby, and his brother. O'Brien remained at the scene and was arrested after the victim identified him to gardai. Prosecution evidence indicated O'Brien was highly intoxicated and homeless at the time, with CCTV showing him swaying before striking the victim. Defence counsel highlighted an "amazing transformation" in O'Brien, who is now attending a residential treatment programme called Team Challenge in Scotland. Detective Garda Shane Moriarty noted that O'Brien appeared as a "completely different person" compared to his appearance during the arrest. Judge Karen O'Connor acknowledged that such "gratuitous aggressive behaviour" would normally result in a custodial sentence. However, considering O'Brien's turbulent early life, history of substance abuse, and current motivation to rehabilitate, she imposed an 18-month sentence. This sentence was suspended in full. The conditions of the suspension require O'Brien to remain at his course at Team Challenge, abstain from drugs and alcohol, and undergo 18 months of Probation Supervision.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: "Amazing transformation" in drunk teen who kicked stranger in rear. Charges or matters: violent disorder on November 21, 2015 O'Brien remained at the scene and was arrested after the victim pointed him out to gardai. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- November 21, 2015 Incident
- 2017-12-08 Publication
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: violent disorder on November 21, 2015 O'Brien remained at the scene and was arrested after the victim pointed him out to gardai (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: Judge O'Connor said normally in the case of such "gratuitous aggressive behaviour" a custodial sentence would be imposed. Judge O'Connor imposed an 18 month sentence which she suspended in full on conditions including remaining at his course at Team Challenge, abstaining from drugs and alcohol and undergoing 18 months Probation Supervision.
Places mentioned
Topics
Drugs Stage Sentence Violent Crime
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