Courts / Dublin / Report
Jail for birthday reveller who attacked woman in bar queue
Summary
Stephen Weafer, 32, was sentenced at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to three years and three months in prison for assaulting two women on December 27, 2016. Judge Karen O'Connor suspended the final 15 months of the sentence on strict conditions, requiring Weafer to engage with the Probation Service for that duration. Weafer pleaded guilty to assaulting both victims, causing them harm. The incident occurred outside the Greyhound Pub in Blanchardstown, where Weafer allegedly head-butted Rebecca Burke and kicked her sister, Rachel Burke, during a melee. Rachel Burke suffered a broken nose with permanent cosmetic damage, while Rebecca Burke broke a finger. Although Weafer admitted to the head-butt, he initially denied kicking Rachel Burke, claiming he was defending himself. The court accepted that the women were unprovoked victims. Weafer, who has 49 previous convictions for road traffic offences, provided €3,500 as a token of remorse. Judge O'Connor noted that Weafer's behaviour was out of character and acknowledged he was also a victim of an unprovoked attack during the fracas. The judge accepted that alcohol was a factor, noting Weafer was on epilepsy medication and should not have been drinking. The matter was finalised with this sentence.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Jail for birthday reveller who attacked woman in bar queue. Charges or matters: assaulting both woman causing them harm on December 27, 2016. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- December 27, 2016 Hearing Or Sentence
- 2019-05-08 Publication
Case subjects
Applicant
Charges: assaulting both woman causing them harm on December 27, 2016 (Alleged Or Contested)
Defendant
Charges: assaulting both woman causing them harm on December 27, 2016 (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: Today Judge Karen O'Connor sentenced Weafer to three years and three months in prison with the final 15 months suspended on strict conditions including that he engage with the Probation Service for that time.
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