Courts / Dublin / Report
Man with "tragic background" jailed over city centre attack
Summary
In November 2013, 21‑year‑old Wayne Connors of Upper Rathmines Road, Dublin, attacked two men, Sean Clarke and Gavin Murray, on Boyne Street Upper. Connors, who had previously been charged with assaulting a student who had been pick‑pocketed, struck Clarke and Murray, leaving Clarke with a burst eardrum. Connors was arrested later that night on Bachelors Walk after resisting arrest, requiring pepper spray to subdue him. He pleaded guilty to the assault. Judge Martin Nolan, noting Connors' "history of some tragedy" – including the death of his sister in a caravan fire, his father's death in a road traffic accident, and a family member's death from smoke inhalation – imposed a custodial sentence of two and a half years. Eighteen months of that term were suspended, and an 18‑month post‑release supervision order was imposed. Connors' defence counsel claimed he was drunk and misled by a false accusation against his girlfriend.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Man with "tragic background" jailed over city centre attack. Charges or matters: assaulting Sean Clarke and Gavin Murray. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- November 10, 2013 Incident
- 2015-11-10 Publication
Why: Defence counsel Eoin Lawlor BL said Connors attacked the two men because he was under the misapprehension that his girlfriend was being falsely accused of something. Defence account reported by CNI
Case subjects
Accused
Outcome: A man who saw his six year old sister die in a caravan fire has been jailed for a year for a city centre attack on two men.
Places mentioned
Topics
Road Traffic Stage Sentence Violent Crime
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