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No jail for road rage driver who broke victim's nose

Summary

Dylan King, 27, of Longdale Terrace, Ballymun, pleaded guilty to assault causing harm after a road‑rage incident on 5 March 2019. King performed a u‑turn to follow victim Gary O'Donovan, opened the victim's car door, and punched him once in the face, breaking his nose and fracturing the area above his right eye socket. O'Donovan required surgery. King had previously been convicted of road‑traffic offences. In court, King admitted the assault and explained that a dispute with his mother over debts owed to the city council had triggered his "road‑rage" reaction. He was described as remorseful and was said to be attending local mental‑health services. Judge Melanie Greally noted King's chaotic upbringing, the recent violent death of his father, and his potential for rehabilitation. She imposed a two‑year prison sentence, fully suspended on strict conditions, with no custodial time imposed. The sentence was delivered at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: No jail for road rage driver who broke victim's nose. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

• March 5, 2019 Incident
• 2021-02-15 Publication

Why: Dylan King (27) performed a u-turn in order to follow the victim before pulling open his car door when he was stopped at a junction and punching him in the face. CNI source report

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Sentence Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report