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Addict who slapped and bit garda after having seizure avoids jail
Summary
Craig Shevlin, 31, pleaded guilty to assaulting Garda Caroline Thornton on 3 May 2019 after a seizure in Dublin city centre. He was found to have 14 prior convictions. Thornton's victim impact statement described being slapped and bitten while trying to help him wait for an ambulance, noting the shock and horror of the bite. Judge Pauline Codd adjourned the case to allow reports, then imposed a two‑year sentence suspended in full on strict conditions, including engagement with the Probation Service. A psychologist reported that Shevlin's epilepsy, causing seizures with agitation, confusion and memory loss, explains his lack of recollection of the assault. The judge described the incident as "unfortunate" and "nasty", noting the aggravating factor that the assault occurred while Thornton was acting in the course of her duty. The court heard apologies from Shevlin's mother and girlfriend. The case remains at the sentencing stage.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Addict who slapped and bit garda after having seizure avoids jail. Charges or matters: assaulting Garda Caroline Thorton causing her harm on May 3, 2019. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- May 3, 2019 Incident
- 2021-04-13 Publication
Why: Gda Thornton said in her victim impact statement that she had joined the gardai in order to help people and never expected to be slapped and bitten while persuading someone to wait for an ambulance. CNI source report
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: assaulting Garda Caroline Thorton causing her harm on May 3, 2019 (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: Today she imposed a sentence of two years which she suspended in full on strict conditions including that Shevlin engage with the Probation Service during that time.; Judge Pauline Codd had adjourned the case after she heard evidence last year to allow for the preparation of various reports.
Places mentioned
- Dublin
- Dublin Circuit Criminal Court
- Buckingham Street
- Dublin
- girlfriend rang Pearse Street garda station
- Pearse Street
Topics
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