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Judge says deterrent needed to stop people 'behaving as absolute thugs' on the streets.
Summary
Sean Norris, 22, was sentenced to four years in prison, with the final 12 months suspended, after pleading guilty to assault causing harm for striking a student on the back of the head with a bottle on 23 July 2019. The victim suffered a brain bleed and was unable to play sports for nine months. Norris, who has 23 prior convictions including four for assault, was part of a group of "absolute thugs" that attacked the victim from behind. Garda evidence included CCTV, blood on Norris's clothing and the bottle, and DNA matching the victim's blood. The judge, Pauline Codd, emphasised the need for deterrence against group violence and noted Norris's vulnerabilities, including substance addiction and mental health issues, which may have contributed to his conduct.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Judge says deterrent needed to stop people 'behaving as absolute thugs' on the streets.. Charges or matters: assault causing harm at South Great George's Street, Dublin on July 23, 2019. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- July 23, 2019 Incident
- 2023-01-23 Publication
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: assault causing harm at South Great George's Street, Dublin on July 23, 2019 (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: Judge Codd noted the victim was struck repeatedly on the back of the head and the outcome could have been "more serious". https://courtsnewsireland.ie/wp-admin/media-upload.php?post_id=54323&type=image&TB_iframe=1 Judge Codd imposed a four-year prison sentence, with the final 12 months suspended on strict conditions including that Norris place himself under the supervision of the Probation Service. He asked Judge Codd to consider imposing a suspended sentence.
Places mentioned
- Ballyman Road
- Dublin
- Dublin
- Dublin Circuit Criminal Court
- South Great George's Street
- Dublin
- Norris place
Topics
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