Courts / Dublin / Report

Drunken landlord attacked tenant

Summary

In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court hearing on 16 February 2023, Des Roche, 60, pleaded guilty to assault causing harm after a drunken confrontation with a tenant over Airsoft rifles in his home. The tenant, a student, had discovered two Airsoft pistols and a rifle in a locked bedroom and the dispute escalated when Roche, intoxicated, brandished a knife. The tenant sustained temporary marks on his hands from the knife, but no serious injury. Garda Alan Butler reported that Roche was unfit for questioning for six hours after arrest. Judge Martin Nolan suspended in full a 21‑month prison term, conditional on Roche keeping the peace and good behaviour for the period. The court noted the tenant's privacy was invaded and that Roche had no prior convictions. The case ended with Roche's release and no further incidents reported.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Drunken landlord attacked tenant. Charges or matters: assault causing harm to the injured party, who was renting a room in Roche's home. Procedural stage: trial

When:

• October 26, 2021 Incident
• 2023-02-16 Publication

Why: The tenant was equally upset because his privacy had been invaded, and they began rowing. CNI source report

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Trial Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report