Courts / Dublin / Report

Man twice discharged from hospital in lead-up to assault on child

Date
2020-02-14

Stage
Sentence

Primary locality
Blanchardstown

County
Dublin

Summary

Patrick Murphy, 43, of Cabra, Dublin, pleaded guilty at the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to an assault on the Navan Road on June 23, 2016. The court heard that Murphy, who has longstanding mental health issues and 20 previous convictions including two for assault, grabbed a child he mistakenly believed was his kidnapped niece. Garda Jennifer Connolly testified that Murphy ran across the road with a "crazy look in his eyes," seized the child around the waist, and stated he thought someone had her for ransom. He released the child after her grandmother held on tightly. The court noted Murphy had been discharged from Connolly Hospital the day prior and was taken to the Mater Hospital psychiatric department by gardaí the morning of the incident, where he was discharged to attend a GP clinic. He was holding his hospital referral letter during the event. The family expressed concern for Murphy's mental health rather than seeking imprisonment. Judge Patricia Ryan imposed a one-month sentence of imprisonment, which she deferred until May 15. She indicated she will strike out the sentence on that date, leaving Murphy without a conviction.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Man twice discharged from hospital in lead-up to assault on child. Charges or matters: assault on the Navan Road, Dublin, on June 23, 2016. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

June 23, 2016 Incident
May 15 Hearing Or Sentence
2020-02-14 Publication

Case subjects

Patrick Murphy

Accused

Charges: assault on the Navan Road, Dublin, on June 23, 2016 (Admitted)

Plea: Guilty

Outcome: Judge Patricia Ryan imposed a one month sentence of imprisonment, which she deferred until May 15, next. She indicated that she will strike out the sentence on that date which will leave Murphy without a conviction.