Courts / Dublin / Report
Neighbour avoids jail for attacking man who flooded apartment
Summary
Paul Murray, 41, struck Josh Byrne, 29, with an iron bar in the head while Byrne was being led away by Gardaí after Byrne's arrest for criminal damage. The incident occurred after Byrne had turned on all the taps in the apartment above Murray's, causing water damage to Murray's unit. Murray pleaded guilty to producing a metal bar in the course of a dispute on 2 February 2021. He has 30 prior convictions, including robbery and traffic offences. Byrne, who has no fixed abode, pleaded guilty to two counts of criminal damage at the same location and received a two‑year fully suspended sentence. Judge Melanie Greally sentenced Murray to two years imprisonment, suspended in its entirety on strict conditions, citing a high degree of antagonism and Murray's loss of control. Byrne sustained a laceration to his head but declined to make a complaint. Murray apologized and acknowledged his wrongdoing.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Neighbour avoids jail for attacking man who flooded apartment. Charges or matters: production of a metal bar in the course of a dispute at St Annes Square, Blackrock, on February 2, 2021. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- February 2, 2021 Other
- 2021-11-25 Publication
Why: In interview with gardaí, Murray explained that Byrne had turned on all the taps in the apartment above him, causing water to leak down and damage his own apartment. CNI source report
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: production of a metal bar in the course of a dispute at St Annes Square, Blackrock, on February 2, 2021 (Alleged Or Contested)
Defendant
Charges: production of a metal bar in the course of a dispute at St Annes Square, Blackrock, on February 2, 2021 (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: Passing sentence today, Judge Melanie Greally said she would deal with the matter as a case where things seemed to "bubble over" and Murray lost control and acted "disgracefully". Judge Greally sentenced Murray to two years imprisonment but suspended the sentence in its entirety on strict conditions.
Places mentioned
- Dublin
- Dublin Circuit Criminal Court
- Lower Bridge Street
- Dublin
- St Annes Square
Topics
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