Courts / Dublin / Report
Jaw broken after 'sucker punch' on soccer field
Summary
Ciaran Murray, 27, of Killinarden Heights, Tallaght, pleaded guilty to assault causing harm after a 'sucker punch' during a soccer match at Donaghmede Park on 3 February 2020. The punch struck the victim's head while he was speaking to the referee, causing a broken jaw with fractures in two places. The victim required four days of hospital treatment, wires and braces, and suffered speech difficulties and financial loss of €480. Murray offered €1,500 to the victim, which was refused. Judge Karen O'Connor described the incident as an aberration of Murray's character, noted his cooperation with Gardaí, and imposed 240 hours of community service in lieu of prison. She directed the payment of €1,500 to Barnardos within 28 days and scheduled a follow‑up on 28 July to confirm the payment. The case was heard in the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Jaw broken after 'sucker punch' on soccer field. Charges or matters: assault causing harm during a soccer match at Donaghmede Park on February 3, 2020. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- February 3, 2020 Incident
- July 28 Other
- 2021-07-01 Publication
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: assault causing harm during a soccer match at Donaghmede Park on February 3, 2020 (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: He said the assault was an "aberration" in Murray's previous good character and that he had gone to the gardaí voluntarily and co-operated fully with their investigation, and asked that prison be a "last resort" for him. "It is apparent he is remorseful," said Judge Karen O'Connor. "He's 27 years of age and he's never been in trouble before." She said she would consider the headline sentence for the assault to be three years in prison, and that two years would be appropriate for the crime – but that she would impose 240 hours of community service in lieu of prison time. "Mr Murray is right to
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