Courts / Dublin / Report

Victim left with epilepsy after 'cowardly' random attack in city centre

Summary

In March 2020, 18‑year‑old Alan Clarke of Kilcross Lawn, Sandyford, punched a 19‑year‑old victim, James Coady, on the chin in Dublin city centre, causing Coady to fall and hit his head on the pavement. Clarke, who had taken cocaine and Xanax that day, had no prior acquaintance with the victim. CCTV showed Clarke also aimed a kick at Coady's stomach before punching him. The assault resulted in a skull fracture and brain bleed for Coady, who later suffered two epileptic seizures and was diagnosed with epilepsy secondary to a traumatic brain injury. Clarke pleaded guilty to assault causing harm at O'Connell Street and was sentenced by Judge Martin Nolan to three years' imprisonment. Clarke had seven previous convictions, including robbery and aggravated burglary. The court noted the attack was "cowardly, unprovoked and sudden.".

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Victim left with epilepsy after 'cowardly' random attack in city centre. Charges or matters: assault causing harm at O'Connell Street, Dublin City centre, on March 7, 2020. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

• March 7, 2020 Incident
• January 2021 Incident
• 2021-05-21 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Burglary Drugs Stage Sentence Theft Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report