Courts / Kildare / Report

Cyclist attacked innocent man he mistook for bike thief

Summary

In a case heard at the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, Jaroslav Nowakowski, a 36‑year‑old resident of Kildare, pleaded guilty to assaulting Noel Conway on Moore Street in Dublin on 3 November 2019. Nowakowski claimed he had mistaken Conway for a bike thief, believing he was stealing his bicycle. The court found Conway to be completely blameless and merely going about his business when the attack occurred. Nowakowski's defence, represented by Gerardine Small BL, argued that his reaction was a split‑second decision and that he had remained at the scene, showing genuine concern for the victim. The court accepted that the incident was isolated and that Nowakowski was unlikely to reoffend. Judge Karen O'Connor imposed an 18‑month suspended sentence, noting the defendant's remorse and his willingness to offer €1,000 to the victim, who had agreed to accept the payment. The sentence was suspended on a number of conditions.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Cyclist attacked innocent man he mistook for bike thief. Charges or matters: assaulting Noel Conway causing him harm on Moore St in Dublin city centre on November 3, 2019. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

• November 3, 2019 Hearing Or Sentence
• 2021-05-14 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Sentence Theft

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Read the original CNI report