Courts / Dublin / Report

Jail for man who attacked and tried to rob Luas commuter

Summary

Lee Murray, 24, was sentenced to four and a half years in prison after pleading guilty to two separate assaults. In November 2016, he attacked Sam Hess on a Luas tram, using a screwdriver and attempting to rob him, causing Hess to suffer injuries and seek medical attention. In July 2017, he assaulted shopkeeper Brian O'Carroll on Drumcondra Road after a dispute over stolen alcohol, knocking O'Carroll unconscious. The court imposed a four‑year term for the Luas assault and a consecutive two‑year term for the shop assault, suspending the final 18 months on the condition that Murray keep the peace. Murray's history of 34 prior convictions, drug addiction, and homelessness were considered in sentencing, and he expressed remorse and has entered a rehabilitation programme. The judge noted the seriousness of the assaults and the use of a screwdriver as aggravating factors.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Jail for man who attacked and tried to rob Luas commuter. Charges or matters: assault of Sam Hess causing him harm; assaulting Brian O'Carroll causing him harm at his shop on Drumcondra Road on July 8, 2017. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

• November 26, 2016 Incident
• July 8, 2017 Incident
• 2019-07-18 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Drugs Stage Sentence Theft Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report