Courts / Kildare / Report
Jail for man who stabbed mother's partner while in drug-induced psychosis
Summary
Jonathan Reid, 28, was sentenced to six years and six months in prison, with the final two years suspended for three years, after stabbing Greg Shiels, his mother's partner, in the neck during a drug‑induced psychosis on 6 March 2020. The attack was described as unprovoked and extremely violent, causing serious injury to Shiels, who was taken to Naas Hospital and later Tallaght Hospital for surgery. Reid pleaded guilty to intentionally or recklessly causing serious harm and to possession of cocaine and cannabis, leading the Director of Public Prosecutions to drop the attempted murder charge. He has no prior convictions, has a history of mental health problems linked to drug use, and has been offered addiction counselling through the Peter McVerry Trust upon release. The judge noted Reid's willingness to engage with his problems and his sincere remorse, which mitigated the sentence. The court emphasized the need for Reid to attend probation appointments and local drug‑addiction services.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Jail for man who stabbed mother's partner while in drug-induced psychosis. Charges or matters: intentionally or recklessly causing serious harm to Mr Shiels and to the possession of cocaine and cannabis, the Director of Public Prosecutions agreed to drop the attempted murder charge; possessing on the night amounted to personal use and were not for sale or supply. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- March 6, 2020 Incident
- March 6 Other
- September 2021 Other
- 2022-05-30 Publication
Case subjects
Accused
Charges: intentionally or recklessly causing serious harm to Mr Shiels and to the possession of cocaine and cannabis, the Director of Public Prosecutions agreed to drop the attempted murder charge; possessing on the night amounted to personal use and were not for sale or supply (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: Before passing sentence, Mr Justice McDermott said that Mr Shiels knew Reid and that he was in a relationship with the accused's mother. Reid was today sentenced to six years and six months in prison with the final two years suspended for a period of three years.
Places mentioned
- Central Criminal Court
Topics
Drugs Stage Sentence Violent Crime
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