Courts / Dublin / Report

Chip shop owner was defending himself against "aggressive youth", Judge rules

Date
2013-11-27

Stage
Hearing Or Decision

Primary locality
Swords

County
Dublin

Summary

In a Swords District Court hearing, Judge Dermot Dempsey dismissed the assault charge against 35‑year‑old chip shop owner Giuliano Di Murro. The case involved a 17‑year‑old teenager who alleged Di Murro had assaulted him at Rivervalley Shopping Centre on 17 February. The teenager claimed Di Murro had told him to leave, that he had been head‑butted, and that Di Murro had punched him, breaking his nose. Di Murro denied the assault, stating he was defending himself against an "aggressive youth" who tried to head‑butt him. Evidence from the teenager, Di Murro's defence barrister, and an independent witness, Mr William Field, suggested the teenager had acted aggressively and that Di Murro had pushed him into a door. Judge Dempsey found the prosecution had no case to meet and ruled that Di Murro was acting in self‑defence, dismissing the charge. The decision was made on 27 November 2013. Di Murro pleaded not guilty.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Chip shop owner was defending himself against "aggressive youth", Judge rules. Charges or matters: assault causing harm to the 17-year-old at Rivervalley Shopping Centre on February 17th. Procedural stage: hearing_or_decision

When:

February 17th Incident
2013-11-27 Publication

Why: Under cross examining defence barrister Ms Lisa Daly put it to the teen that Di Murro does not like him and his friends hanging around the chip shop because they have caused a nuisance in the past. Defence account reported by CNI