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Man phoned gardai after recognising himself attacking homeless woman on Crimecall

Summary

Derek Kavanagh, 48, turned himself in after RTÉ's Crimecall aired CCTV of him assaulting a homeless woman on James Street, Dublin 8, on 7 May 2022. He claimed he was approached, panicked, and thought he was being mugged, leading him to punch and choke the victim, who was living in hostel accommodation. Kavanagh admitted the woman was not threatening and had kept a reasonable distance. He pleaded guilty to assault and causing harm, and was given a three‑year fully suspended sentence. He paid €2,000 in compensation and was ordered to pay an additional €3,000 within six months, to be given to the victim or a local charity if she declined. The court noted his remorse, lack of prior convictions, and his efforts at anger‑management and alcohol‑abuse courses. The judge considered his mitigating circumstances and deemed him unlikely to reoffend.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Man phoned gardai after recognising himself attacking homeless woman on Crimecall. Charges or matters: assaulting the woman and causing her harm on James' St, Dublin 8 on May 7, 2022. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

• May 7, 2022 Hearing Or Sentence
• 2023-03-01 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Sentence Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report