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"Sheer terror": violent criminal "went crazy" in knife attack on gardai
Summary
In a December 2019 court hearing, Declan Turner, aged 23, was sentenced to 28 months' imprisonment for a November 2018 knife attack on Garda Aine McGroarty and Garda Killian Owens. Turner, who had a history of violent offences and mental health issues, had been drinking before the incident and was described by the judge as a "very violent individual." He attacked the gardaí with a large knife after a neighbour had called the police to a Balbriggan apartment. McGroarty struck Turner on the thigh with her baton, and the gardaí managed to escape the apartment with the tenant. Turner was arrested after the incident and pleaded guilty to assault, possession of knives, criminal damage, public order and breaching a barring order. The judge noted Turner's underlying mental health problems and his alcohol intake as contributing factors to his behaviour. The sentence was imposed with a suspended portion, leaving the effective custodial term at 28 months.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: "Sheer terror": violent criminal "went crazy" in knife attack on gardai. Charges or matters: assaulting Gdí McGroarty and Owens at La Verna Grange, Baldoyle, Dublin, on November 22, 2018. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- November 22, 2018 Incident
- 2019-12-16 Publication
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: assaulting Gdí McGroarty and Owens at La Verna Grange, Baldoyle, Dublin, on November 22, 2018 (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: Judge Nolan said Turner had a history of violence and relatively serious offending before he jailed him for 28 months.
Places mentioned
Topics
Public Order Stage Sentence Violent Crime
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