Courts / Dublin / Report
Leaving Cert reveller who stabbed man in stomach avoids jail
Summary
In a case heard at the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, Zak Dunne, aged 22, was found guilty of assault causing harm after stabbing a man in the stomach during a celebration of his Leaving Cert. The incident occurred on 18 July 2015 at McDonald's, Liffey Valley Shopping Centre, where Dunne, then 18, perceived the victim's brother as aggressive. A confrontation ensued, and Dunne stabbed the victim in the left lower abdomen. The victim was hospitalized, receiving 13 staples, and was immobile for a week, missing two weeks of work. Judge Karen O'Connor sentenced Dunne to two and a half years' imprisonment, fully suspending the term on strict conditions, including attendance at an anger management course. The court noted the seriousness of the attack, the unprovoked nature of the assault, and the use of a knife, while also citing mitigating factors such as Dunne's youth, good character, strong work ethic, desire for rehabilitation, and family support. Zak Dunne pleaded not guilty.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Leaving Cert reveller who stabbed man in stomach avoids jail. Charges or matters: assault causing harm at McDonald's, Liffey Valley Shopping Centre, on 18 July, 2015; the sole count by a jury at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court on April 10, last. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- 18 July Incident
- April 10 Incident
- 2019-07-18 Publication
Case subjects
Convicted Person
Charges: assault causing harm at McDonald's, Liffey Valley Shopping Centre, on 18 July, 2015; the sole count by a jury at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court on April 10, last (Alleged Or Contested)
Plea: Not guilty
Outcome: Judge Karen O'Connor sentenced Dunne to two and a half years' imprisonment, but suspended the entire sentence on strict conditions, including that he attend an anger management course.
Places mentioned
- Neilstown Gardens
- Dublin
- Dublin Circuit Criminal Court
Topics
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