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"Remarkable turnaround' of man who held knife to stranger's throat
Summary
Gerard Kelly, of Ballybough Road, Dublin, pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to the production of an article capable of inflicting serious injury on March 27, 2015. The court heard that Kelly allegedly held a large kitchen knife to the throat of a man drinking at Lowry's pub on Summerhill Parade. Although another patron was reportedly stabbed in the leg, no assault charges were before the court. Kelly was arrested nearby while in a state of alcohol delirium. His defence counsel, Luigi Rea BL, stated that Kelly did not know the victims and has since taken steps to address his alcoholism. Detective Garda Michael O'Brien described Kelly's rehabilitation as a "remarkable turnaround," noting he is a different person than when first met in 2015. Judge Martin Nolan acknowledged the seriousness of the offence, rejecting intoxication as an excuse. However, noting Kelly's remorse and efforts to reform, the judge suspended a sentence of two and a half years. Judge Nolan warned that if Kelly re-offends, he will go to prison. The record noted that Kelly has 48 previous convictions, all for District Court offences including theft and possession of knives.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: "Remarkable turnaround' of man who held knife to stranger's throat. Charges or matters: production of an article capable of inflicting serious injury on March 27, 2015. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- March 27, 2015 Hearing Or Sentence
- 2018-10-09 Publication
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: production of an article capable of inflicting serious injury on March 27, 2015 (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: Noting Kelly's remorse and his efforts to reform himself, he suspended a sentence of two and a half years. "If he re-offends he will go to prison," Judge Nolan said.
Places mentioned
Topics
Stage Sentence Theft Violent Crime
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