Courts / Dublin / Report

'The divine justice will show the right way': the case of George Bento in full

Date
2022-06-14

Stage
Trial

Primary locality
Dublin

County
Dublin

Summary

George Bento, a 36‑year‑old Brazilian, was interviewed by Gardaí at Store Street Garda Station after the death of 16‑year‑old Josh Dunne on East Wall Road. Bento claimed he had only tried to recover a stolen electric bike belonging to delivery rider Tiago da Silva and that he had used a knife only to defend himself when a moped rider and a group of youths threatened him and his colleague Guilherme Quieroz. He said he had never intended to hurt anyone and that he had acted to protect himself and Quieroz. The prosecution argued that Bento exaggerated the danger, that CCTV showed him moving toward the moped rider, and that he had used lethal force when the youths were backing away. The trial concluded with a unanimous verdict of not guilty on all counts after a six‑week trial and 500 days of custody.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: 'The divine justice will show the right way': the case of George Bento in full. Procedural stage: trial

When:

February 2019 Incident
January 26, 2021 Incident
January 26 Incident
August 2020 Incident
2022-06-14 Publication

Why: Supt Costello said there was concern in the community because of these incidents and that his attention was drawn to the targeting of food delivery drivers who felt unsafe in the course of their work. CNI source report