Courts / Dublin / Report
'Little wonder' that garda members leaving force, judge notes in jailing HIV threat attacker
Summary
In a Circuit Court hearing on 7 March 2024, Judge Pauline Codd sentenced 31‑year‑old Dean O'Neill to 20 months' imprisonment, with the last six months suspended, for biting two Gardaí during a routine search at Kevin Street Garda Station on 13 April 2023. O'Neill, who has 109 prior convictions, told officers he had HIV and threatened them, but the court heard he does not have the virus. He bit one officer wearing latex gloves, damaging the glove but not breaking the skin, and another officer felt a burning sensation and a tooth indentation. O'Neill pleaded guilty to two counts of assaulting a peace officer and a threat of serious harm. The judge highlighted his addiction problems, history of drug use, and urged him to seek support after release. No victim impact statements were filed, and both officers later resigned for unrelated reasons. The case was the defendant's first Circuit Court appearance.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: 'Little wonder' that garda members leaving force, judge notes in jailing HIV threat attacker. Charges or matters: two counts of assaulting a peace officer in the course of their duties on April 13 last. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- April 13, 2023 Incident
- April 13 Incident
- 2024-03-07 Publication
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: two counts of assaulting a peace officer in the course of their duties on April 13 last (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: Judge Pauline Codd made the comments today while imposing a 20-month sentence, with the final six months suspended, on Dean O'Neill.
Places mentioned
- suite at Kevin Street Garda Station
- Kevin Street
- heard. CCTV from the garda station
- Lower Dorset Street
- Dublin
Topics
Related court reports
- Man charged with having 56k child abuse images and videos remanded on bail
- Ex-Dáil hopeful's allegations against former employer 'complete fantasy', WRC told
- Mater must pay €10k to worker who said he was wrongly accused of abusing patient
- 'I think we know I won't be getting bail' - Daniel Kinahan charged with directing criminal organisation
- Letting agent who claimed alleged domestic violence victim abandoned tenancy by fleeing to refuge must pay €14.7k
- 77-year-old with 470 convictions told Luas staff to 'f**k off'
If a fact, identity, locality or legal outcome needs review, email the newsroom with this report's details prefilled.
Email a correction request