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Victim left deaf in one ear after being attacked by schoolmate in "fit of jealousy"

Summary

Adam Clarke, 20, pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to causing serious harm to Ownie O'Connell at the Tivoli Theatre, Francis Street, Dublin 8, on July 3, 2016. The prosecution alleged that Clarke, an apprentice electrician, punched the victim in a fit of jealousy after seeing him kiss a mutual acquaintance. Mr O'Connell was knocked unconscious, suffered a scalp cut, and was left permanently deaf in his left ear with tinnitus. He was hospitalized for five days. Clarke, of Donaghmede, has no previous convictions. During his Garda interview, he reportedly showed no remorse, stating he had no regrets because it was a great night. However, he later visited the victim in hospital, accepting he had delivered an unprovoked assault and expressing that he was sorry and jealous. In a victim impact statement, Mr O'Connell detailed how the impairment affected his education, social life, and ability to play football. Defense counsel Dominic McGinn SC submitted that Clarke's initial attitude did not reflect his character, citing testimonials describing him as placid and remorseful. He noted Clarke had €2,000 in court as a concrete indication of genuine remorse and argued against custody. Judge Melanie Greally adjourned the case to November 2 next and remanded Clarke on continuing bail.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Victim left deaf in one ear after being attacked by schoolmate in "fit of jealousy". Charges or matters: causing serious harm to Mr O'Connell at the Tivoli Theatre, Francis Street, Dublin 8, on July 3, 2016. Procedural stage: charge_or_pretrial

When:

• July 3, 2016 Adjournment
• November 2 Adjournment
• 2018-10-03 Publication

Why: He told gardaí he had no regrets because "it was a great night". CNI source report

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Charge Or Pretrial Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report