Courts / Dublin / Report

Belfast sex offender sentenced for assault on security guard

Date
2014-12-05
Stage
Sentence
Primary locality
Dublin
County
Dublin

Summary

Michael Jones, aged 30, was sentenced to four years' imprisonment with the final two years suspended for assaulting security guard James Bowe at Powerscourt Shopping Centre in Dublin on 26 June 2010. Jones, who was intoxicated, fractured Bowe's C7 vertebra, bit his finger and palm, and caused serious injuries that Bowe had a pre‑existing spinal condition. The judge, Desmond Hogan, noted the assault was on the lower end of the medium range of seriousness and that Jones had not intended the severe injuries. Jones had previously pleaded not guilty to assault in Dublin and was convicted by a jury in July. He had earlier convictions in Northern Ireland, including a suspended sentence for indecent assault in 2007, and a two‑year prison term for robbery in 2010. The court ordered Jones to attend alcohol treatment and remain under probation supervision for 12 months after release. The sentence reflects the seriousness of the injuries and Jones' prior record.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Belfast sex offender sentenced for assault on security guard. Charges or matters: assault causing harm to James Bowe at Powerscourt Shopping Centre in Dublin on June 26, 2010. Procedural stage: sentence. Findings: Convicted

When:

Why: Judge Desmond Hogan suspended the final two years of the sentence because he said the serious injuries resulting from the assault could not have been intended. CNI source report

Case subjects

Michael Jones

Defendant

Charges: assault causing harm to James Bowe at Powerscourt Shopping Centre in Dublin on June 26, 2010 (Proven)

Plea: Not guilty

Finding: Convicted

Outcome: Convicted; Judge Desmond Hogan suspended the final two years of the sentence because he said the serious injuries resulting from the assault could not have been intended. Jones served a two and a half year prison term and was released under the conditions of a suspended sentence.

Places mentioned

Residence
  • Riversdale Park
Court Venue
  • Dublin
  • Dublin Circuit Criminal Court
  • Naas
  • Naas Circuit Criminal Court

Topics

Stage Sentence Theft Violent Crime

Related court reports

Read the original CNI report

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