Courts / Galway / Report

Man who left bank worker in a coma after unprovoked assault has sentence reduced on appeal

Date
2014-07-21

Stage
Sentence

Primary locality
Galway

County
Galway

Summary

In 2011, Dean O'Brien, aged 28, was convicted by a Galway Circuit Criminal Court jury of assault causing serious harm after an unprovoked attack on bank worker Mr Barry Mannion. O'Brien, driving a car with passengers, revved the engine and beaded the horn at a group outside a takeaway. An altercation ensued, and O'Brien threw beer bottles at a man who had tried to calm the situation. O'Brien then punched Mannion, splitting his lip and causing severe head injuries that left Mannion in a coma for two weeks and required a titanium plate in his skull. The victim could not return to work. O'Brien's eight‑year sentence was reduced by 18 months on appeal, with the suspended portion to be served under probation supervision. The court noted the assault was spontaneous, unpremeditated, and without a weapon. The judge highlighted the severe, life‑changing injuries to the victim and the high risk of reoffending. Dean O'Brien pleaded not guilty.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Man who left bank worker in a coma after unprovoked assault has sentence reduced on appeal. Charges or matters: counts of assault causing serious harm, assault causing harm and producing an article capable of inflicting serious injury. Procedural stage: sentence. Findings: Found guilty

When:

November 2011 Incident
December 28, 2009 Incident
Christmas Incident
2014-07-21 Publication

Case subjects

Dean O'Brien

Convicted Person

Charges: counts of assault causing serious harm, assault causing harm and producing an article capable of inflicting serious injury (Proven)

Plea: Not guilty

Finding: Found guilty

Outcome: Found guilty; Dean O'Brien (28) was jailed for eight years by Judge Raymond Groarke after he was found guilty by a Galway Circuit Criminal Court jury of assault causing serious harm to Mr Barry Mannion on William Street West, Galway, on December 28, 2009. Counsel for O'Brien, Mr Damien Colgan SC, today said in essence it was submitted that there was "no light left at the end of the tunnel" in the sentence imposed on O'Brien.