Courts / Dublin / Report

Courthouse attacker avoids jail

Summary

In July 2020, a 24‑year‑old father of three, Devon Hennessey, was charged after he punched a man outside Blanchardstown District Court, prompting a volatile scene that required the assistance of 20 Gardaí to restrain him. Hennessey had previously pleaded guilty to violent disorder in November 2017 and had five prior road‑traffic convictions. At the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, Judge Melanie Greally acknowledged that Hennessey's role was limited and that some provocation had occurred. She sentenced him to 18 months' imprisonment, suspended in full on conditions including 12 months' engagement with the Probation Service. The case highlighted the Gardaí's intervention and the defendant's claim that a comment about his disabled son had sparked the incident. The court noted no further hostility between the parties.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Courthouse attacker avoids jail. Charges or matters: violent disorder on November 9, 2017. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

• November 9, 2017 Adjournment
• 2020-07-13 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Sentence Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report