Courts / Dublin / Report

Thief attacked retired RTE broadcaster after he intervened to help victim

Date
2019-12-18

Stage
Sentence

Primary locality
Dublin

County
Dublin

Summary

In a 2018 incident on Phibsborough Road, 28‑year‑old Gary Gibson attempted to steal a bicycle and, when confronted by retired RTÉ broadcaster Cathal Mac Coille, struck him on the head with a bolt cutter. Gibson fled, jumping into a canal to evade capture, and was later apprehended after a ten‑minute standoff. He pleaded guilty to assault and attempted theft, and to possession of a Stanley knife. Judge Melanie Greally sentenced him to two and a half years' imprisonment, with the final 12 months suspended. Gibson's prior convictions include burglary, firearms offences and public order matters. The assault left Mac Coille with a lump and bruise on his forehead, forcing a three‑week break from a programme about the Pope's visit and a €125 expense for new bicycle wheels and a lock. The case highlighted the impact of the assault on Mac Coille's broadcasting work.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Thief attacked retired RTE broadcaster after he intervened to help victim. Charges or matters: assaulting Mr Mac Coille and attempted theft at Phibsborough Road, Dublin, on July 3, 2018; possessing a Stanley knife with a sharply pointed blade at Mountjoy Garda Station, Dublin, on the same date. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

July 3, 2018 Incident
2019-12-18 Publication

Case subjects

Gary Gibson

Convicted Person

Charges: assaulting Mr Mac Coille and attempted theft at Phibsborough Road, Dublin, on July 3, 2018; possessing a Stanley knife with a sharply pointed blade at Mountjoy Garda Station, Dublin, on the same date (Admitted)

Plea: Guilty

Outcome: Today, Judge Melanie Greally sentenced him to two and a half years imprisonment with the final 12 months suspended. Judge Greally said she could have only considered a wholly suspended sentence if Gibson was drug free but as urine sample results had not been given to the court she had to infer that this had not come to pass.