Courts / Dublin / Report

Jail for youth who took part in violent assault

Summary

Derek Whelan, aged 22, was jailed for three years after taking part in a violent assault on David Gaynor at the Neilstown shopping centre in Clondalkin, Dublin. Gaynor was knocked to the ground, beaten, kicked and struck with a golf club, causing a broken cheekbone, a broken eye socket and cuts to his mouth that required stitches. Whelan pleaded guilty to assault causing harm on 30 November 2015. At the time of the offence he was serving a suspended sentence for a theft offence imposed in May 2015 and had no prior convictions for violent crime. Judge Melanie Greally sentenced him to four and a half years, suspended the last 18 months on the condition of anger‑management and victim‑awareness programmes, and noted his cocaine abuse, stable relationship and upcoming child. Whelan offered compensation, which the court declined. He expressed remorse and has taken steps to address his addiction.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Jail for youth who took part in violent assault. Charges or matters: assault causing harm on November 30, 2015. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

• November 30, 2015 Incident
• May 2015 Incident
• 2018-10-18 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Drugs Stage Sentence Theft Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report