Courts / Dublin / Report

Judge praises threat victim's 'kind and generous spirit'

Date
2020-10-06

Stage
Hearing Or Decision

Primary locality
Dublin

County
Dublin

Summary

Dublin Circuit Criminal Court heard the case of Dubliner Stuart McManus, 44, who pleaded guilty to making a threat to kill or cause serious harm to a woman at her home on Ferguson Road, Drumcondra. The incident occurred on Hallowe'en night after McManus was taunted by children throwing fireworks at his residence. He allegedly confronted the victim, holding a travel cup he claimed contained boiling water and sugar, and threatened to throw it at her or her son. McManus admitted frightening the victim but stated he was provoked by the anti-social behaviour. In a victim impact statement, the woman expressed no animosity towards McManus, praising his situation and stating she did not wish for him to be punished. Judge Karen O'Connor acknowledged the victim's "kind and generous spirit." Defence counsel Karl Monaghan BL highlighted McManus's background, including childhood exposure to domestic violence, his status as a recovering drug addict, and his living situation with his mother. The court accepted that McManus was a target for local anti-social behaviour. Judge O'Connor placed McManus on a 12-month probation order, requiring him to keep the peace and be of good behaviour for that period. The matter was finalised with this sentencing decision.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Judge praises threat victim's 'kind and generous spirit'. Charges or matters: making a threat to kill or cause serious harm to the woman at her home on Ferguson Road, Drumcondra. Procedural stage: hearing_or_decision

When:

2020-10-06 Publication

Why: She said she was frightened by McManus' actions but accepted that he was provoked because local children had taunted him by shouting inappropriate comments at him. CNI source report