Courts / Dublin / Report
No jail for teen who kicked army cadet in head in unprovoked group attack
Summary
Craig May, aged 19, pleaded guilty to assault causing harm to Daniel Kelly on Balbriggan beach on 27 May. May, 17 at the time, was part of a group that kicked Kelly repeatedly to the head, breaking his wrist and causing significant psychological injury. The attack occurred while Kelly and his girlfriend were returning from a graduation celebration. Kelly's girlfriend identified May, who later gave a statement. Kelly suffered facial abrasions, a broken wrist that required eight weeks in a cast, and was forced to abandon his defence forces cadet training. May had seven prior convictions and was described as having a low risk of re‑offending. Judge Pauline Codd sentenced him to two‑and‑a‑half years, suspended on conditions, and awarded Kelly €1,000 as a token of remorse. The case was heard at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: No jail for teen who kicked army cadet in head in unprovoked group attack. Charges or matters: one count of assault causing harm to Daniel Kelly at Balbriggan beach on May 27 last year. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- May 27 Incident
- 2017-12-11 Publication
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: one count of assault causing harm to Daniel Kelly at Balbriggan beach on May 27 last year (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: She handed down a two-and-a-half year sentence and suspended it on a number of conditions.
Places mentioned
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