Courts / Dublin / Report

Forced eviction attacker 'told he was attending job interview'

Summary

Desmond McGrath, 50, pleaded guilty in Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to assault causing harm to John Roche and false imprisonment of Martin and Lisa Byrne on 9 June 2015. McGrath was part of a gang of seven, including convicted murderer Declan Duffy and INLA kidnapper Dessie O'Hare, who were ringleaders of the forced eviction. McGrath claimed he had been told he was attending a job interview for security work and was dressed "almost as a bouncer". He admitted to punching and kicking Roche but not to physical violence against the Byrne family. The Byrne family has been in the Witness Protection Programme since the incident. McGrath was remanded in custody and the matter was adjourned to 3 February. The court noted McGrath's heroin addiction and his claim of remorse.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Forced eviction attacker 'told he was attending job interview'. Charges or matters: assault causing harm; false imprisonment. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

• June 9, 2015 Incident
• June 2015 Adjournment
• April 2019 Adjournment
• February 3 Adjournment
• 2021-01-14 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Drugs Stage Sentence Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report