Courts / Dublin / Report
Historian punched man during anti-Pegida protest
Summary
Historian Kerron Ó'Luain, aged 34, was charged with unlawful violence after he punched a Polish man during an anti‑Pegida protest in Dublin on 6 February 2016. The incident occurred when a group of protesters, who believed the victim knew members of the far‑right group Pegida, attacked him. CCTV footage showed Ó'Luain delivering a single punch to the victim's head before leaving the scene. He pleaded guilty to the offence. In July, Judge Melanie Greally found his culpability to be in the low range for violent disorder, describing the conduct as reprehensible but very short‑lived. She ordered him to donate €200 to Pieta House and to keep the peace for a set period. At a subsequent sentencing hearing, the court noted that Ó'Luain had complied with all conditions and discharged him from the indictment. The victim sustained cuts and bruises but did not make a statement to Gardaí. The case was heard in the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Historian punched man during anti-Pegida protest. Charges or matters: using unlawful violence along with others at the Euro shop on North Earl Street, Dublin 1 on February 6, 2016. Procedural stage: hearing_or_decision
When:
- February 6, 2016 Incident
- 2021-11-18 Publication
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: using unlawful violence along with others at the Euro shop on North Earl Street, Dublin 1 on February 6, 2016 (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: She adjourned sentencing after ordering Ó'Luain to make a donation of €200 to Pieta House and to keep the peace for a set period.
Places mentioned
- Dublin
- Dublin Circuit Criminal Court
- North Earl Street
- O'Connell street
- Pieta House
Topics
Stage Hearing Or Decision Violent Crime
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