Courts / Dublin / Report
Attacker was on bail for notorious violent burglary, court hears
Summary
Donal O'Hara (26), of Glin Park, Coolock, Dublin 17, has been sentenced to three years imprisonment with one year suspended by the Special Criminal Court for his role in a coordinated intimidation and assault on June 9, 2015. O'Hara pleaded guilty to assaulting John Roche at The Towers, Garter Lane, Saggart, County Dublin, and to falsely imprisoning Martin Byrne at the same location. The court heard that O'Hara was part of a large group who confronted Mr Byrne following a deteriorated business relationship, subsequently assaulting Mr Roche when he attempted to prevent their entry to the complex. CCTV footage and forensic evidence linking O'Hara to the assault were presented. Mr Justice Tony Hunt noted O'Hara was the "brawn and not the brains" of the operation and considered his youth, early guilty pleas, and remorse as mitigating factors. The sentence is to run consecutively to a previous aggravated burglary conviction. O'Hara will be subject to probation supervision for two years upon release.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Attacker was on bail for notorious violent burglary, court hears. Charges or matters: assaulting John Roche, causing him harm at The Towers, Garter Lane, Saggart, County Dublin on June 9, 2015. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- June 9, 2015 Hearing Or Sentence
- October 2015 Incident
- May 31 Incident
- May 2015 Hearing Or Sentence
- June 9 Other
- 2018-07-31 Publication
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: assaulting John Roche, causing him harm at The Towers, Garter Lane, Saggart, County Dublin on June 9, 2015 (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: Mr Justice Hunt said O'Hara will still be a relatively young man when he is released back into society and this may be his last opportunity to "turn away" from crime and so he would not make any sentences imposed consecutive. Prosecution counsel, Shane Costelloe SC, submitted to the court that the sentence imposed on O'Hara had to be consecutive to the one he is currently serving.; O'Hara had committed these offences when he was remanded on bail by the circuit court, Mr Justice Hunt said.
Places mentioned
- Special Criminal Court
- Garter Lane
- Keatings Business Park
Topics
Burglary Stage Sentence Violent Crime
Related court reports
- Man charged with having 56k child abuse images and videos remanded on bail
- Ex-Dáil hopeful's allegations against former employer 'complete fantasy', WRC told
- Mater must pay €10k to worker who said he was wrongly accused of abusing patient
- 'I think we know I won't be getting bail' - Daniel Kinahan charged with directing criminal organisation
- Letting agent who claimed alleged domestic violence victim abandoned tenancy by fleeing to refuge must pay €14.7k
- 77-year-old with 470 convictions told Luas staff to 'f**k off'
If a fact, identity, locality or legal outcome needs review, email the newsroom with this report's details prefilled.
Email a correction request