Courts / Dublin / Report

Stranger struck man and left him in coma in random, unprovoked attack

Summary

In a 2016 incident on Belgard Road, Tallaght, Stephen Duffy, aged 28, struck a stranger who fell and suffered a brain injury requiring life‑saving surgery. Duffy left the scene, then returned to place the victim in the recovery position. CCTV footage captured the attack and his subsequent actions. The victim, who sustained a brain bleed and was in a coma for two weeks, later received €5,000 from Duffy. Duffy pleaded guilty to assault causing serious harm on the basis of recklessness, with no prior convictions. The court noted his remorse and the victim's recovery, including loss of smell and taste but regained mobility. Judge Melanie Greally sentenced Duffy to four years' imprisonment, fully suspended, with strict conditions and an additional €10,000 payment to the victim within two years.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Stranger struck man and left him in coma in random, unprovoked attack. Charges or matters: assault causing serious harm at Belgard Road, Tallaght, on August 29, 2016; the offence on the basis of recklessness. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

• August 29, 2016 Incident
• 2021-07-15 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Sentence Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report