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Two years for violent offender who left ex-GAA star with life-changing injuries
Summary
Nigel McEvoy, 46, pleaded guilty to assault causing harm to Paddy Keogh, 74, at a Dublin bar on 24 November 2018. The attack left Keogh with panic attacks, early‑onset dementia and a nursing home stay. McEvoy, who has 14 prior convictions including nine public‑order offences, was sentenced by Judge Melanie Greally to 36 months' custody, with the final 12 months suspended on strict conditions. The judge noted the assault was "violent in the extreme" and that Keogh's life‑changing injuries were fully described in a victim impact statement. McEvoy, who has schizophrenia and a history of mental‑health difficulties, expressed remorse, offered €200 as a gesture of apology (to be donated to the Alzheimer's Society of Ireland), and has taken steps to improve his circumstances since 2019. The sentence reflects mitigating factors such as his guilty plea, limited violent history and his efforts to address his mental health.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Two years for violent offender who left ex-GAA star with life-changing injuries. Charges or matters: assault causing harm to Paddy Keogh (74) at Mercantile Bar, Dame Street, Dublin on November 24, 2018. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- November 24, 2018 Incident
- 2022-10-05 Publication
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: assault causing harm to Paddy Keogh (74) at Mercantile Bar, Dame Street, Dublin on November 24, 2018 (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: Setting a headline sentence of 48 months, Judge Greally said she accepted that the assault was not pre-meditated and that McEvoy had a significant mental health diagnosis and was not complying with his medication at the time. Judge Greally imposed a 36-month sentence, with the final 12 months suspended on strict conditions.
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