Courts / Dublin / Report

Couple who fled Iraq attacked and racially abused by boy (13)

Summary

In December 2019, a 13‑year‑old boy attacked a couple on the Luas in Dublin. He spat a sweet at the woman, made racist remarks, stole the man's rucksack and repeatedly struck him with an 18‑cm iron bar, causing severe bruising and a hospital visit. The boy, now 15, pleaded guilty to assault causing harm and to producing an article at St James's Luas stop; a theft charge was considered. He has seven prior convictions. Judge Karen O'Connor, noting the couple had fled Iraq for safety, imposed a deferred 18‑month detention, to be suspended for six months pending review. She set strict conditions, including a nightly curfew, and highlighted the boy's family support. The case will return to court on 8 October. The incident was captured on CCTV and the boy was arrested the following month. The court emphasized the racial element of the attack.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Couple who fled Iraq attacked and racially abused by boy (13). Charges or matters: one count of assault causing harm to the man and one count of producing an article at St James's Luas stop, Dublin on December 23, 2019. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

• December 2019 Incident
• December 23, 2019 Incident
• October 8 Adjournment
• 2021-03-19 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Sentence Theft Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report