Courts / Dublin / Report

Youth who armed himself during violent city centre brawl avoids jail

Summary

Craig Smith, aged 20, was given an 18‑month suspended sentence for his role in a violent brawl on D'Olier Street in Dublin on 23 May 2016. Smith, who was armed with an iron bar, struck two male victims, Mr Dylan Campbell and Mr Lee Whelan, during an attempt to break up a fight between two women. CCTV footage showed Smith swinging the bar at the victims and making contact with Mr Campbell, while another man struck Mr Campbell with a hammer. Smith pleaded guilty to violent disorder and assault with an offensive weapon. The judge noted his lack of prior convictions and personal circumstances, imposing a suspended sentence with strict conditions, including two years of probation supervision. The case also involved Jordan McGuinness, who received a one‑year suspended sentence for his part in the incident. Both men withdrew their complaints after initial statements to Gardaí.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Youth who armed himself during violent city centre brawl avoids jail. Charges or matters: violent disorder at D'Olier St in the city centre on May 23, 2016. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

• May 23, 2016 Adjournment
• 2017-12-15 Publication

Why: Dublin Circuit Criminal Court had heard in April that McGuinness and another man, who cannot be identified because he is facing trial, punched Lee Whelan, knocking him to the ground. CNI source report

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Sentence Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report