Courts / Dublin / Report
Men jailed over "vicious" unprovoked attack on Afghani nationals during park cycle
Summary
Two men, Joseph Connors (22) and John Connors (20), were sentenced to three years' imprisonment for violent disorder after an unprovoked attack on three Afghan nationals, including a thirteen‑year‑old boy, in Marlay Park on 5 May 2016. Judge Cormac Quinn suspended the last 18 months of each sentence on the condition that the men keep the peace and engage with Probation Services. The attack involved shouting, physical assault and the use of kicks and punches, with CCTV footage showing the Connors men striking the Afghanis. One victim sustained a broken nose and the teenager subsequently left Ireland. Both men had prior convictions; Joseph had 56, including burglary and public order offences, while John had two minor traffic convictions. The court denied a request for Joseph to remain on bail until after Christmas, citing his wife's due birth. The Connors were present with €1,000 in compensation for the victims. Joseph Connors pleaded guilty. John Connors pleaded guilty.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Men jailed over "vicious" unprovoked attack on Afghani nationals during park cycle. Charges or matters: violent disorder in Balinteer on May 5, 2016. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- May 5, 2016 Incident
- Christmas Incident
- Christmas Day Incident
- 2017-12-21 Publication
Why: The court heard that as a result of the attack, one of the men had left Ireland and returned to Afghanistan because he felt safer there. Court evidence reported by CNI
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: violent disorder in Balinteer on May 5, 2016 (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: Judge Cormac Quinn imposed prison sentences of three years on both men.
Defendant
Charges: violent disorder in Balinteer on May 5, 2016 (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: Judge Cormac Quinn imposed prison sentences of three years on both men.
Places mentioned
- Daltree Place
- Dublin
- Dublin
- Dublin Circuit Criminal Court
- Marlay Park
Topics
Burglary Public Order Stage Sentence Violent Crime
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