Courts / Dublin / Report

Man involved in group attack on US tourists in Temple Bar has jail term cut by more than half on appeal

Date
2015-07-27

Stage
Appeal

Primary locality
Temple Bar

County
Dublin

Summary

Ian Dent, 22, of Crumlin, was convicted of violent disorder for his role in a group attack on two American tourists in Temple Bar on 29 April 2012. The original five‑year sentence imposed by Mr Justice Patrick McCartan on 29 July 2014 was reduced on appeal to three years, with the final 12 months suspended. The Court of Appeal found the original term excessive, noting Dent's "threatening and menacing" behaviour was common in the area but also that he had shown progress and a record of rehabilitation. The appeal court highlighted that the Americans suffered significant injuries, including a broken arm and facial scarring, and that Dent had attempted to intervene and defuse the situation. The new sentence reflects a balance between punishment and potential for rehabilitation. Ian Dent pleaded not guilty.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Man involved in group attack on US tourists in Temple Bar has jail term cut by more than half on appeal. Charges or matters: two counts of violent disorder at Merchant's Arch opposite the Ha'penny Bridge and at nearby Crampton Quay on April 29, 2012. Procedural stage: appeal. Findings: Found guilty

When:

April 29, 2012 Hearing Or Sentence
July 29, 2014 Incident
2015-07-27 Publication

Case subjects

Ian Dent

Appellant

Charges: two counts of violent disorder at Merchant's Arch opposite the Ha'penny Bridge and at nearby Crampton Quay on April 29, 2012 (Proven)

Plea: Not guilty

Finding: Found guilty

Outcome: Found guilty; The Court of Appeal found Dent's five year sentence to be excessive in June, and a new sentence of three years imprisonment with the final 12 months suspended was imposed on him today. Mr Justice Edwards, who sat with Mr Justice Garrett Sheehan and Mr Justice Alan Mahon, imposed a new sentence of three years imprisonment on Dent with the final 12 months suspended.