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Master's student gets suspended sentence for punch which caused brain injury
Summary
Liam Stoneham, a 24‑year‑old master's student, pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to recklessly causing serious harm to Adam Ward after punching him in a pub. The assault, described by Judge Martin Nolan as a "one punch assault", left Ward with a fractured skull, traumatic brain injury, loss of smell and ongoing effects. Stoneham was given a four‑year suspended sentence, with the full term suspended on the condition he pays €10,000 to Ward and raises an additional €10,000 within two years if Ward wishes. The court noted Stoneham had no prior convictions, had shown remorse, and was a good student. CCTV evidence showed Stoneham's punch after a dispute in the bar, and the court considered the injury serious but borderline in severity. Stoneham's family supported him, and he had brought the initial €10,000 to court.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Master's student gets suspended sentence for punch which caused brain injury. Charges or matters: recklessly causing serious harm to Adam Ward at Stephan's Green, Dublin 2 on February 3, 2019. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- February 3, 2019 Hearing Or Sentence
- 2021-02-23 Publication
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: recklessly causing serious harm to Adam Ward at Stephan's Green, Dublin 2 on February 3, 2019 (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: Credit: Collins) By Fiona Ferguson and Sonya McLean A master's student who recklessly punched another pub-goer, causing him to fall, hit his head and sustain a traumatic brain injury, has been given a four-year suspended sentence. Judge Nolan also said that Stoneham must raise a further €10,000 in two years for Mr Ward but said if the victim does not want this cash there is no need to go any further and it does not need to be donated. "I have first decided that he (Stoneham) does not deserve a custodial sentence.
Places mentioned
- Bewley Drive
- Lucan
- Public Prosecutions' view
- Dublin
- Dublin Circuit Criminal Court
Topics
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