Courts / Louth / Report
Attack of 'breathtaking savagery' sees man jailed for five years
Summary
In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court hearing, Jamie Heffernan, aged 22, was sentenced to five years' imprisonment for a violent assault on Aaron Murdiff, aged 25, which left Murdiff with a lasting traumatic brain injury. Heffernan attacked Murdiff after learning that Murdiff had assaulted his cousin at a house party earlier that night. CCTV footage showed Heffernan striking Murdiff, causing him to fall, and then delivering three separate blows over four and a half minutes, including repeated strikes while Murdiff lay motionless. Heffernan pleaded guilty to intentionally or recklessly causing serious harm. The judge described the attack as "breathtaking savagery" and noted the severity of the assault. Two minor co‑accused are awaiting sentencing for their roles. Heffernan has five prior convictions. The court heard that Murdiff's mother and sister provided a victim impact statement, and that Heffernan had consumed significant alcohol that night.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Attack of 'breathtaking savagery' sees man jailed for five years. Charges or matters: intentionally or recklessly causing serious harm to Mr Murdiff at O'Rourke Park, Sallynoggin, on August 16, 2020; this assault and will be sentenced in July. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- August 16, 2020 Incident
- 2022-06-27 Publication
Case subjects
Accused
Charges: intentionally or recklessly causing serious harm to Mr Murdiff at O'Rourke Park, Sallynoggin, on August 16, 2020; this assault and will be sentenced in July (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: Photo: Collins) By Fiona Ferguson and Isabel Hayes A man who "viciously" attacked an acquaintance with "breathtaking savagery", leaving his victim with a traumatic brain injury, has been jailed for five years. He has since pleaded guilty to this assault and will be sentenced in July.
Places mentioned
- Dublin
- Dublin Circuit Criminal Court
- Blackrock
- Blackrock House
- Newtown Avenue
- Blackrock
- O'Rourke Park
Topics
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