Courts / Dublin / Report

Jail for man who repeatedly attacked restaurant staff after 'mental collapse'

Summary

Gerard Griffin, 63, was sentenced to three years' imprisonment for a series of violent attacks on the staff of the Chicken Hut on Clanbrassil Street, Dublin. The first assault occurred in April 2017, when he punched the owner, threatened staff and smashed the shop with a hockey stick. He later stabbed the owner's hand in February 2020. Griffin pleaded guilty to assault, criminal damage, threats to kill and possession of a knife. He also admitted to earlier offences, including assault, firearms possession and theft. The judge noted his mental collapse following the death of a son and the loss of four children, and suspended the final three years of a six‑year sentence on the condition that he stay away from the flat. He was ordered to engage with the Probation Service to address bereavement and racism issues. The sentence reflects the seriousness of the repeated violent conduct and the impact on the victim.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Jail for man who repeatedly attacked restaurant staff after 'mental collapse'. Charges or matters: assaulting Mr Ahmed, criminal damage to the Chicken Hut and making threats to kill or cause serious harm on April 29, 2017; assault causing harm, production of a knife, and threats to kill or cause serious harm again on Clanbrassil Street on February 1, 2020. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

• April 2017 Incident
• April 29, 2017 Incident
• February 1, 2020 Incident
• 2020-10-09 Publication

Why: Griffin had an ongoing dispute with Bilal Ahmed from the Chicken Hut on Clanbrassil Street in Dublin because of the levels of noise, Dublin Circuit Criminal Court heard. Court evidence reported by CNI

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Sentence Theft Violent Crime

Related court reports

• Man charged with having 56k child abuse images and videos remanded on bail
• Ex-Dáil hopeful's allegations against former employer 'complete fantasy', WRC told
• Mater must pay €10k to worker who said he was wrongly accused of abusing patient
• 'I think we know I won't be getting bail' - Daniel Kinahan charged with directing criminal organisation
• Letting agent who claimed alleged domestic violence victim abandoned tenancy by fleeing to refuge must pay €14.7k
• 77-year-old with 470 convictions told Luas staff to 'f**k off'

Read the original CNI report