Courts / Dublin / Report

Murderer had "overwhelming urge to attack a blue uniform"

Summary

Brian Willoughby, a 40‑year‑old Dublin murderer convicted of murder in 2003, received a two and a half year sentence for assaulting a prison officer at Mountjoy Prison on 31 December 2017. The officer, supervising inmates during lunchtime, was punched in the back of the head by Willoughby, who was later restrained. The officer sustained soft tissue damage to his neck, shoulder and head and was off work for two months. Willoughby, who has been on psychiatric medication since his incarceration 18 years ago, pleaded guilty to the assault. He has four prior convictions, including the 2003 murder, two assaults in 2000 and another assault in a courtroom in 2017. Judge Melanie Greally, noting his history of extreme violence and psychiatric treatment, imposed the sentence concurrent with his life sentence, giving credit for his early guilty plea and cooperation.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Murderer had "overwhelming urge to attack a blue uniform". Charges or matters: assaulting the injured party causing him harm at Mountjoy Prison on December 31, 2017. Procedural stage: sentence. Findings: Convicted

When:

• December 31, 2017 Incident
• 2018-11-05 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Sentence Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report