Courts / Dublin / Report
Shoplifter bit Tesco customer's ear off
Summary
In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court hearing, Liam Dowds, aged 40, pleaded guilty to stealing razors, lamb and champagne from a Tesco supermarket, assaulting a customer, David Cunningham, and causing criminal damage at Finglas Garda Station. Dowds bit off Cunningham's ear while attempting to stop the theft, swallowed the ear, and claimed he had HIV. He also left a bottle of methadone in his bag and admitted to drug addiction. The court heard Dowds had a history of mental health issues and drug addiction, and that he had previously been arrested for similar offences. Cunningham reported feeling self-conscious and unsafe after the attack. Dowds expressed remorse and wished to apologise. The judge noted psychosis and vindictiveness in the case and adjourned sentencing to July 8.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Shoplifter bit Tesco customer's ear off. Charges or matters: one count of stealing razors, lamb and champagne from Tesco supermarket at Navan Road, Cabra, one count of assault causing harm to the victim, David Cunningham, and one count of criminal damage at Finglas Garda Station on May 15, 2021. Procedural stage: hearing_or_decision
When:
- May 15, 2021 Incident
- July 8 Adjournment
- 2022-04-08 Publication
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: one count of stealing razors, lamb and champagne from Tesco supermarket at Navan Road, Cabra, one count of assault causing harm to the victim, David Cunningham, and one count of criminal damage at Finglas Garda Station on May 15, 2021 (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: Judge Melanie Greally noted there were "elements of psychosis" in the case but said: "It was also vindictive what he said about HIV to a man whose ear he had just bitten off." She adjourned the matter for sentencing on July 8.
Places mentioned
- Dublin
- Dublin Circuit Criminal Court
- Navan
- Navan Road
- criminal damage at Finglas Garda Station
Topics
Drugs Stage Hearing Or Decision Theft
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