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Woman avoids jail for 30-min attack on homeless man after wrongful accusation
Summary
Zara McCabe, 34, pleaded guilty to assault causing harm after attacking a homeless man she mistakenly believed had raped a woman she knew. The incident occurred on Fleet Street, Dublin 2, on 4 November 2020. McCabe, a mother of five with 21 prior convictions and a history of alcohol and mental health problems, was highly intoxicated that night. She attacked the victim for 30 minutes, later searching his pockets for a phone to photograph him. The victim was taken to hospital but discharged the next day and died by suicide a week later. No medical report was available. Judge Martin Nolan sentenced McCabe to 150 hours of community service instead of a two‑year prison term, noting the seriousness of her actions and the victim's unfortunate life. The court highlighted McCabe's remorse and her recent employment, while acknowledging her ongoing family and health challenges.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Woman avoids jail for 30-min attack on homeless man after wrongful accusation. Charges or matters: assault causing harm on Fleet Street, Dublin 2 on November 4, 2020. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- November 4, 2020 Incident
- 2022-11-02 Publication
Why: McCabe later said that she went through the victim's pockets after the attack, which lasted 30 minutes, because she was trying to find his phone to take a photo of him to show the woman. CNI source report
Case subjects
Accused
Charges: assault causing harm on Fleet Street, Dublin 2 on November 4, 2020 (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: Passing sentence this week, Judge Martin Nolan ordered McCabe to carry out 150 hours community service in lieu of a two-year prison term. "You are getting a considerable chance," Judge Nolan told McCabe. "What you did on the night was disgraceful to this poor man.
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