Courts / Dublin / Report
"Wanton violence" jail for woman who flung boiling water at shop worker's face
Summary
Michelle Ruth, 40, was sentenced to 18 months imprisonment for assaulting a shop worker at Londis, O'Connell Street, Dublin on 8 November 2015. She pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. The offence involved Ruth throwing boiling water and a jar of powdered chocolate at the female staff member, causing her severe facial injury and shock. Ruth has 158 prior convictions, mainly shoplifting and public order offences, and several for assault, robbery, criminal damage and knife possession. Judge Melanie Greally imposed a three‑year sentence but suspended the final 18 months, conditional on Ruth keeping the peace, behaving well and following Probation Service directions for 18 months after release. The judge described the act as an "extremely serious offence of wanton violence" and noted Ruth's remorse and engagement with drug services. The victim's impact statement was not read in court. The case was prosecuted by Elva Duffy BL and defended by Luigi Rea BL.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: "Wanton violence" jail for woman who flung boiling water at shop worker's face. Charges or matters: assaulting a female staff member causing her harm at Londis, O'Connell Street in Dublin on November 8, 2015. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- November 8, 2015 Incident
- 2019-05-08 Publication
Case subjects
Convicted Person
Charges: assaulting a female staff member causing her harm at Londis, O'Connell Street in Dublin on November 8, 2015 (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: Judge Melanie Greally sentenced Ruth to three years imprisonment, but suspended the final 18 months on condition that she keep the peace and be of good behaviour and follow all direction of the Probation Service for 18 months post release.
Places mentioned
- Dublin
- Dublin Circuit Criminal Court
- O'Connell Street
- Spring Garden Street
- Dublin
Topics
Drugs Public Order Stage Sentence Theft Violent Crime
Related court reports
- Man charged with having 56k child abuse images and videos remanded on bail
- Ex-Dáil hopeful's allegations against former employer 'complete fantasy', WRC told
- Mater must pay €10k to worker who said he was wrongly accused of abusing patient
- 'I think we know I won't be getting bail' - Daniel Kinahan charged with directing criminal organisation
- Letting agent who claimed alleged domestic violence victim abandoned tenancy by fleeing to refuge must pay €14.7k
- 77-year-old with 470 convictions told Luas staff to 'f**k off'
If a fact, identity, locality or legal outcome needs review, email the newsroom with this report's details prefilled.
Email a correction request