Courts / Dublin / Report
Taekwon-Do fighter jailed for 'savage' punch that left man with life-threatening injuries
Summary
Jason Owens, 34, of Oak Grove, Royal Oak, Santry, Dublin 9, pleaded guilty to assaulting Conor Kelly at the Cock and Bull pub in Coolock on 1 January 2020. Owens, a former Taekwon‑Do international, struck Kelly with a savage, powerful punch in the pub toilets, causing life‑threatening injuries. CCTV showed the punch was extraordinarily effective, and Owens also kicked Kelly once in the head before leaving. Kelly suffered haemorrhaging to the brain, a fracture, and required 18 days in intensive care and four surgeries. Owens was sentenced by Judge Martin Nolan to three and a half years, with the final 12 months suspended on strict conditions. The judge noted Owens' lack of intent to cause such injuries but highlighted the reckless nature of the attack. No prior convictions were recorded for Owens.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Taekwon-Do fighter jailed for 'savage' punch that left man with life-threatening injuries. Charges or matters: assaulting Conor Kelly causing him serious harm at the Cock and Bull pub in Coolock on January 1, 2020. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- January 1, 2020 Incident
- 2023-07-31 Publication
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: assaulting Conor Kelly causing him serious harm at the Cock and Bull pub in Coolock on January 1, 2020 (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: Imposing sentence today, Judge Martin Nolan said Owens "lost control" at a certain point for "reasons only known to himself" and punched Mr Kelly. He handed Owens a sentence of three and a half years with the final 12 months suspended on strict conditions.
Places mentioned
- Dublin
- Public Prosecution's view
- Dublin
- Dublin Circuit Criminal Court
- Beaumont Hospital
- National Rehabilitation Hospital
Topics
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