Courts / Dublin / Report

Science student who threw glass at student nurse and damaged her teeth avoids jail

Date
2015-05-01

Stage
Hearing Or Decision

Primary locality
Temple Bar

County
Dublin

Summary

Sarah Nolan, a 22‑year‑old science student from Blackrock, pleaded guilty to assault causing harm after she threw a glass at student nurse Hannah Foster at a Temple Bar nightclub on 23 September 2011. Nolan claimed she intended only to splash water over Foster, who was speaking to Nolan's late boyfriend, Ciaran Carr, but the glass struck Foster's mouth, damaging her teeth and causing nerve injury. Foster was treated at Dublin Dental University Hospital and requires costly ongoing care. Nolan, who was in her final year at Tallaght IT and had earned an An Gaisce President's Award, paid €5,000 in compensation and was sentenced to one year in prison, suspended for two years, with an additional €3,000 compensation order. The judge noted the reckless nature of the act and the pain inflicted on Foster.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Science student who threw glass at student nurse and damaged her teeth avoids jail. Charges or matters: assault causing harm to Ms Foster at a nightclub in Temple Bar on September 23, 2011. Procedural stage: hearing_or_decision

When:

September 23, 2011 Incident
2015-05-01 Publication

Why: Ms Foster told the court that because of the assault, she missed out on the first few weeks of college, her confidence has diminished and she is fearful and stressed when she goes on a night out. CNI source report