Courts / Dublin / Report
Former soldier in random knife attack on Welsh tourist
Summary
Martin Clarke, 35, a former soldier, was sentenced to three years in prison for a random knife attack on Welsh tourist Antoni Vitti on the Liffey boardwalk on 13 June 2017. Clarke was intoxicated on unprescribed tablets when he lunged at Vitti with a knife. Vitti and his husband fled, but Clarke chased them through traffic and was eventually stopped at the Arlington Hotel, where staff removed him and raised the alarm. The court described the assault as "random, unprovoked and menacing." Vitti sustained a 3.5‑cm scar on his hand and reported that the incident has made him feel unsafe around strangers, affecting his work in the tourist industry. Clarke pleaded guilty to assault causing harm and possession of a knife, and had prior convictions for theft, knife possession and traffic offences. He has detoxed in custody and expressed remorse, hoping to return to his family in a sober state.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Former soldier in random knife attack on Welsh tourist. Charges or matters: assault causing harm and to production of a knife at Bachelor's Walk, Dublin. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- June 13, 2017 Incident
- 2019-12-18 Publication
Why: Judge Greally said the full horror of the attack was captured on the CCTV footage but the motive was altogether unclear. CNI source report
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: assault causing harm and to production of a knife at Bachelor's Walk, Dublin (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: A former soldier has received a three year prison sentence for a random knife attack on a Welsh tourist.
Places mentioned
- Dublin
- Dublin Circuit Criminal Court
- St. Nicholas Avenue
- Castletown
- Castletown Road
- Dundalk
Topics
Stage Sentence Theft Violent Crime
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