Courts / Dublin / Report
20 gardai needed after punch thrown outside courthouse
Summary
A 24‑year‑old father of three, Devon Hennessey, punched a man outside Blanchardstown District Court on 9 November 2017, an act that required the intervention of 20 Gardaí to calm the volatile scene. Garda Richard Finan, who was standing at the main entrance, saw Hennessey approach the victim and strike him in the face without warning. Finan attempted to restrain Hennessey, who resisted and shouted threats at both the victim and the Garda. Additional officers were needed to continue the restraint, and other bystanders tried to intervene. Hennessey pleaded guilty to violent disorder and has five prior road‑traffic convictions. His defence lawyer, Oisin Clarke, argued that a comment about Hennessey's disabled son triggered the incident, and that Hennessey was acting in the heat of the moment. Judge Melanie Greally adjourned sentencing to 5 May and ordered a Probation Service report to assess suitability for community service. The case remains at the sentencing stage.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: 20 gardai needed after punch thrown outside courthouse. Charges or matters: violent disorder on November 9, 2017. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- November 9, 2017 Hearing Or Sentence
- May 5 Adjournment
- 2020-03-10 Publication
Case subjects
Convicted Person
Charges: violent disorder on November 9, 2017 (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: Credit: Collins) A father of three who punched a man as he was leaving a courthouse leading to "a volatile situation" which needed the assistance of 20 gardaí "to calm it down" will be sentenced later. Judge Greally adjourned sentencing to May 5 next and ordered a report from the Probation Service to establish if Hennessey would be suitable for community service.; Judge Greally adjourned sentencing to May 5 next and ordered a report from the Probation Service to establish if Hennessey would be suitable for community service.
Places mentioned
- Blanchardstown
- Blanchardstown District Court
- Dublin
- Dublin Circuit Criminal Court
- Sheephill Avenue
- Blanchardstown
- Dublin
Topics
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