Courts / Dublin / Report
Bus attacker to be sentenced in October
Summary
A 26‑year‑old Dublin man, Peter Harte, will be sentenced in October for a ten‑minute violent attack on a bus. He assaulted Pedro Mendez and Gabriella Leon after a seating dispute, using headbutts, kicks and punches. Harte pleaded guilty to assault causing harm. He has eleven prior convictions, mainly alcohol‑related public order offences, plus a robbery and a 2009 assault. The court adjourned sentencing to assess his suitability for unpaid community work or the Restorative Justice Programme. Garda Caroline Kelly reported the victims had been on the bus after social drinks and that Harte's attack began when they refused to let him sit beside them. The victims suffered injuries and are reluctant to remain in the area. Harte admitted the assault after CCTV footage was shown. The judge noted intoxication could be a mitigating factor but not a defence. The case remains at the sentencing stage.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Bus attacker to be sentenced in October. Charges or matters: assault causing harm. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- July 24, 2014 Adjournment
- May 2009 Adjournment
- 2015-06-04 Publication
Why: At Dublin Circuit Criminal Court Judge Desmond Hogan adjourned sentencing to next October in order to establish if Harte was suitable for unpaid work in the community or for participating in the Restorative Justice Programme. CNI source report
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: assault causing harm (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: adjourned sentencing to next October
Places mentioned
- Kildonan Road
- Old Kilmainham Road
- Dublin
- At Dublin Circuit Criminal Court
- Dublin
Topics
Public Order Stage Sentence Theft Violent Crime
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