Courts / Dublin / Report
Jail for man who helped teenager before attack which left victim with 'catastrophic' brain injuries
Summary
Paul Burgess, aged 43, was sentenced to 15 months' imprisonment for assisting a 16‑year‑old boy in an assault that left Kean Doherty, 19, with a catastrophic brain injury. The assault took place on 28 December 2018 at Ballyvaughan Lane, Lucan, when the boy struck Doherty after Burgess had driven him to the area, pushed him against railings and forced him to the ground. Doherty had recently been released from the National Rehabilitation Hospital after a road‑traffic accident and was highly vulnerable. The court heard medical reports showing the assault exacerbated Doherty's injuries. Burgess claimed he had no knowledge of Doherty's vulnerability and had not intended the violence, but the judge found his assistance created a dangerous situation and imposed the custodial term. The teenager received a formal caution and was dealt with under the youth diversion scheme. The case was heard in the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. Paul Burgess pleaded guilty.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Jail for man who helped teenager before attack which left victim with 'catastrophic' brain injuries. Charges or matters: a count of assisting an offender on December 28, 2018. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- December 28, 2018 Incident
- June 2018 Incident
- Christmas Incident
- 2024-05-08 Publication
Why: "I'm sorry to have to imprison him (Burgess) because I think he's a decent man, but in this case, he deserves it. CNI source report
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: a count of assisting an offender on December 28, 2018 (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: Today he handed Burgess a 15-month sentence, saying he had put Mr Doherty in a position of danger where he was attacked.; After hearing the facts yesterday, Judge Martin Nolan adjourned the case overnight to consider his verdict.
Places mentioned
- Ballyvaughan
- Ballyvaughan Lane
- Lucan
- Dublin
- Co Dublin. Dublin Circuit Criminal Court
- Dublin
- National Rehabilitation Hospital
- Dublin attended his local garda station
Topics
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