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Couple who took part in fight where instigator died avoid jail

Summary

Craig O'Connor and Chelsea Curtis, both of Dublin, pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to violent disorder in Temple Bar on September 10, 2015. Judge Cormac Quinn sentenced O'Connor to two and a half years' imprisonment and Curtis to 12 months' imprisonment. The judge suspended the entirety of both sentences on the condition that they keep the peace and be of good behaviour for the duration. Prosecution evidence alleged that O'Connor punched and kicked Alan Delve, who had previously punched O'Connor's uncle, Gareth O'Connor. Gareth O'Connor subsequently fell unconscious and never regained consciousness. James O'Connor, who also pleaded guilty to violent disorder, received a fully suspended two and a half-year sentence on June 8, 2018. CCTV footage reportedly showed O'Connor and Curtis struggling with a second man, with Curtis kicking a third male. Mr. Delve, who suffered a fractured cheekbone and head injuries, stated in a victim impact statement that he did not want anyone to go to prison. Defence counsel noted O'Connor was not the instigator and that the couple has two children. The judge cited the seriousness of the offence and effect on the victim as aggravating factors, while considering the guilty pleas, the defendants' ages, and the victim's wishes as mitigating factors.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Couple who took part in fight where instigator died avoid jail. Charges or matters: violent disorder in Temple Bar, Dublin on September 10, 2015; violent disorder at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court and received a fully suspended two and a half year sentence on June 8, 2018. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

• September 10, 2015 Hearing Or Sentence
• June 8, 2018 Hearing Or Sentence
• 2018-11-02 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Sentence Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report