Courts / Dublin / Report

Suspended sentence for Systems Analyst over unprovoked assault on man after night in Coppers

Date
2015-03-13
Stage
Hearing Or Decision
Primary locality
Dublin
County
Dublin

Summary

A 26‑year‑old systems analyst, Colum Hanlon, pleaded guilty to assaulting Jack Larkin on 15 November 2013 at Camden Street, Dublin. The unprovoked punch broke Larkin's nose, sinus bone and left eye socket. Hanlon, who claimed he was very drunk and had no recollection of the attack, received a three‑year suspended sentence from Judge Martin Nolan. The judge described the assault as a "spasm of misplaced jealousy" and noted that alcohol was not an excuse. Hanlon was ordered to pay €10,000 in compensation to Larkin and to raise an additional €5,000 within 18 months. Larkin suffered severe injuries, required surgery, and missed final year studies at St Patrick's Teacher Training College. The case was heard at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, with no prior convictions for Hanlon. The judge accepted his remorse and considered the incident a one‑off.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Suspended sentence for Systems Analyst over unprovoked assault on man after night in Coppers. Charges or matters: assaulting Jack Larkin causing him harm in the early hours of November 15, 2013 at Camden Street, Dublin. Procedural stage: hearing_or_decision

When:

Why: Judge Martin Nolan described the attack as a "spasm of misplaced jealousy" and commented that "alcohol is not an excuse because alcohol difficulties are self induced". CNI source report

Case subjects

Colum Hanlon

Defendant

Charges: assaulting Jack Larkin causing him harm in the early hours of November 15, 2013 at Camden Street, Dublin (Admitted)

Plea: Guilty

Places mentioned

Court Venue
  • Dublin
  • Dublin Circuit Criminal Court
  • Harcourt Street
Address Area
  • Camden Street
Secondary Mention
Facility
  • St James' Hospital

Topics

Stage Hearing Or Decision Violent Crime

Related court reports

Read the original CNI report

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