Courts / Dublin / Report
Father-of-seven slashed Luas passenger in face
Summary
Alan Tuite, 28, of Ennel Park, Artane, was sentenced to five years in prison with the final 18 months suspended after pleading guilty to assault causing harm and production of a knife at the Rialto Luas stop on 3 July 2017. He slashed a passenger's face with a flick knife during a "moment of madness" over a prior alleged altercation between their children. The victim suffered facial injuries requiring six stitches, incurred €8,000–€10,000 in medical costs, and now experiences anxiety when using the Luas. The attack occurred in front of the victim's wife, two children, and a two‑year‑old girl who woke to see blood. CCTV showed Tuite and a co‑accused watching the victim, then Tuite disembarking, receiving the knife, and fleeing after the assault. Tuite admitted the harm, expressed regret, and claimed he had no control at the time. He has seven prior minor convictions and a psychological report indicating borderline personality disorder.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Father-of-seven slashed Luas passenger in face. Charges or matters: assault causing harm and production of a knife at Rialto Luas stop, James' Walk, on July 3, 2017. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- July 3, 2017 Incident
- September 21 Other
- 2018-11-02 Publication
Why: Judge Greally said the victim suffered a facial injury requiring six stitches and had to leave his job because of the attack. CNI source report
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: assault causing harm and production of a knife at Rialto Luas stop, James' Walk, on July 3, 2017 (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: Passing sentence at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court today, Judge Melanie Greally said it was ironic that Tuite's actions were a "warped manifestation" of his devotion to his family. Judge Greally set a headline sentence of five years but suspended the final 18 months due to mitigating factors including the fact that Tuite was a devoted family man with a large number of dependents.
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