Courts / Dublin / Report
Gangland machete victim said attacker was 'fool' for pleading guilty
Summary
Martin Cunningham, 27, struck Kenneth Fitzsimons, 41, with a machete during a gang feud near Finglas Garda Station. Fitzsimons suffered severe injuries, including exposed ribs and required four litres of blood. Cunningham had previously been charged with attempted murder but the DPP dropped that charge after he pleaded guilty to assault causing harm and producing a machete. Fitzsimons, who had a five‑and‑a‑half‑year sentence for firearm possession, declined to testify at trial, citing drug‑related memory loss. Cunningham, who has prior convictions for driving offences and drug possession, was fined for driving while on remand and had been convicted of assault and threats while in custody. The Central Criminal Court heard that the assault was Cunningham's reaction to attacks on his home, including a firearm discharge, and that he accepted responsibility for his actions. The court will sentence him next Monday.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Gangland machete victim said attacker was 'fool' for pleading guilty. Charges or matters: assault causing harm and producing a machete. Procedural stage: sentence. Findings: Convicted
When:
- April 10, 2019 Incident
- 2022-05-04 Publication
Why: At a sentence hearing this morning, defence counsel Michael Bowman SC told the court that Cunningham could have walked away but was taking responsibility for what he had done because he understands that it was wrong. Defence account reported by CNI
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: assault causing harm and producing a machete (Proven)
Plea: Guilty
Finding: Convicted
Outcome: Convicted; At this morning's sentence hearing Detective Sergeant Damien Mangan told Desmond Dockery SC, for the DPP, that Fitzsimons was standing at a bus stop close to Finglas Garda Station when he was approached by the accused, who was wearing tracksuit bottoms and a hoodie. The court also heard that Fitzsimons is serving a five-and-a-half year sentence for possession of a firearm.
Defendant
Charges: assault causing harm and producing a machete (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: At a sentence hearing this morning, defence counsel Michael Bowman SC told the court that Cunningham could have walked away but was taking responsibility for what he had done because he understands that it was wrong. Ms Justice Eileen Creedon will sentence Cunningham next Monday.
Places mentioned
- Central Criminal Court
- place close to Finglas Garda Station
- stop close to Finglas Garda Station
- and ran to Finglas Garda Station
- was detained at Finglas Garda Station
- Warrenstown Drive
- Liam Mellows Road
- Blanchardstown
- Blanchardstown hospital
Topics
Drugs Stage Sentence Violent Crime
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