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Jail for psychiatric nurse who stabbed teenager
Summary
Brian Quinn, a 51-year-old psychiatric nurse from Balbriggan, Co Dublin, was convicted by a jury at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court of intentionally or recklessly causing serious harm to Lee Harte. The incident occurred on October 9, 2011, following an altercation outside Quinn's former residence in Tallaght. Prosecution evidence stated that Quinn stabbed Harte in the leg and stomach after Harte intervened to protect his cousin. Harte, who was 18 at the time, required surgery and reported long-term trauma and career disruption in a victim impact statement. Judge Patrick Quinn sentenced Quinn to five and a half years' imprisonment, with the final two years suspended on condition he keep the peace and be of good behaviour for two years post-release. Additionally, Quinn received a concurrent two-year sentence for using an offensive weapon. The judge ordered credit for the two years and one month Quinn had already served following a previous conviction that was later quashed by the Court of Appeal. Defence counsel Giollaíosa Ó Lideadha SC argued the incident occurred during an attack by multiple individuals and highlighted Quinn's lack of prior convictions. The judge acknowledged mitigating factors, including Quinn's loss of employment and good character, while noting the tragedy of the case and Harte's innocence.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Jail for psychiatric nurse who stabbed teenager. Procedural stage: appeal. Findings: Convicted
When:
- October 9, 2011 Hearing Or Sentence
- November 21, 2013 Incident
- 2018-11-12 Publication
Case subjects
Convicted Person
Finding: Convicted
Outcome: Convicted; Judge Patrick Quinn sentenced Brian Quinn to five and a half years imprisonment with the final two years suspended on condition he keep the peace and be of good behaviour for two year post release. Judge Quinn also sentenced him to two years for using an offensive weapon which will run concurrent to the other sentence.
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