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'Disgraceful' daytime attack at supermarket after woman's 'honour impugned'
Summary
In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court hearing, Colin Bale, 37, pleaded guilty to assault causing harm after a daytime attack at Donabate Shopping Centre on 2 February 2020. The incident began when Bale's former partner's honour was allegedly impugned, leading Bale to confront a shopper who had taken his bike. Bale punched the victim twice, causing cuts to the head and ear and a fractured finger. Garda evidence, including CCTV, identified Bale and he was arrested. Bale's defence claimed self‑defence and an apology, noting a prior minor conviction in 2013. Judge Orla Crowe, citing the victim's injuries and the aggravating nature of the assault, imposed a fully suspended 18‑month sentence for three years, hoping the suspended sentence would encourage behavioural change. No custodial term was imposed. The victim, who has facial scars and mental health concerns, was represented by a victim impact statement. No further contact between the parties has occurred since the incident.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: 'Disgraceful' daytime attack at supermarket after woman's 'honour impugned'. Charges or matters: one count of assault causing harm at Donabate Shopping Centre on February 2, 2020; this offence on a trial date. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- February 2, 2020 Incident
- 2023-11-14 Publication
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: one count of assault causing harm at Donabate Shopping Centre on February 2, 2020; this offence on a trial date (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: Imposing a fully suspended sentence today, Judge Orla Crowe said this was a "disgraceful state of affairs" in which the victim was subjected to an "attack in broad daylight in a supermarket" over something that may have been said to Bale's then partner. She imposed a sentence of 18 months suspended in full for three years.
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