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Serial offender who threw paint on Luke Kelly statue is jailed
Summary
Michael Dunne, 50, a serial offender with 51 prior convictions, was sentenced by Judge Orla Crowe at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to 18 months for throwing blue paint on a Luke Kelly statue, causing €240 damage. Nine months of the sentence were suspended on strict conditions. Dunne pleaded guilty on 12 July 2020 and had previously missed a sentencing date in December, leading to a bench warrant. The judge cited aggravating factors such as his criminal history and the bench warrant, but also noted mitigating factors including his guilty plea, expressions of remorse, vulnerable history, and personal circumstances. Garda David Kelly identified Dunne through CCTV footage. Defence counsel highlighted his drug addiction, mental health difficulties, and the impact on his family. The court acknowledged the case's media attention but emphasized that Dunne must face the consequences of his actions.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Serial offender who threw paint on Luke Kelly statue is jailed. Charges or matters: criminal damage on July 12, 2020. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- July 12, 2020 Hearing Or Sentence
- 2024-01-25 Publication
Why: She said Dunne's actions had "caused a lot of upset to a lot of people" because a statue was erected in memory of Luke Kelly, a "prominent character". CNI source report
Case subjects
Background Person
Charges: criminal damage on July 12, 2020 (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: Luke Kelly statue, causing €240 worth of damage, has been jailed for nine months Drug addict Michael Dunne (50), who was living in homeless accommodation at the time, pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to criminal damage on July 12, 2020.
Convicted Person
Charges: criminal damage on July 12, 2020 (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: Photo: Collins) By Sonya McLean and Eimear Dodd A serial offender who threw blue paint on a Luke Kelly statue, causing €240 worth of damage, has been jailed for nine months Drug addict Michael Dunne (50), who was living in homeless accommodation at the time, pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to criminal damage on July 12, 2020. Judge Orla Crowe today handed Dunne a sentence of 18 months, with the final nine months suspended on strict conditions.
Places mentioned
- Dublin
- Dublin Circuit Criminal Court
Topics
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