Courts / Dublin / Report

Man high on crack put knife 'clean through' friend's cheek

Summary

In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court hearing on 21 July 2023, Karl Core, aged 34, was sentenced to two years in prison for an unprovoked knife attack on his friend David Fox on 19 June 2021. Core, who was high on crack cocaine at the time, swung a 15‑inch kitchen knife over a garden gate and stabbed Fox's right cheek, creating a hole that penetrated into Fox's mouth cavity. Fox was treated at hospital and received stitches. Core pleaded guilty to one count of assault causing harm. Judge Orla Crowe described the assault as very serious, noting the severe facial injury and potential lifelong scarring. She imposed a headline sentence of four years, then reduced it to three years with a 12‑month suspended portion, and ordered Core to remain under probation supervision for 12 months after release. Core's guilty plea, family support, adherence to bail conditions, and prior minor convictions were considered mitigating factors.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Man high on crack put knife 'clean through' friend's cheek. Charges or matters: one count of assault causing harm to David Fox at the same address. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

• June 19, 2021 Incident
• 2023-07-21 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Drugs Stage Sentence Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report