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'What is this court supposed to do?': judge expresses concern over crimes by brain-injured man
Summary
In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court hearing on 20 October 2020, Judge Martin Nolan expressed concern over Paul Rooney, a 30‑year‑old with an acquired brain injury sustained in 2003, who had repeatedly committed crimes. Rooney had attacked Garda Patrick Barker in January 2019 after attempting to steal a bike on Beaver Street, punching the officer five to six times and cutting his nose. Rooney's mother and brothers were present and his mother administered medication to calm him. Rooney pleaded guilty to one count of assaulting a Garda and had 37 prior convictions, including criminal damage, theft and handling stolen property. The judge accepted the defence's argument that Rooney's brain injury was significant but noted his recent escalation in offending. He questioned the court's role, said only one tool remained, and adjourned the case to 25 March 2021, ordering immediate return if Rooney commits further offences.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: 'What is this court supposed to do?': judge expresses concern over crimes by brain-injured man. Charges or matters: one count of assaulting a garda on January 19, 2019. Procedural stage: trial
When:
- January 19, 2019 Incident
- March 25 Adjournment
- 2020-10-20 Publication
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: one count of assaulting a garda on January 19, 2019 (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Places mentioned
- Dublin
- Dublin Circuit Criminal Court
- Beaver Street
- Railway Street
- Dublin
Topics
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