Courts / Dublin / Report
American tourists attacked, threatened with rape and murder, in Dublin city centre hotel
Summary
In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court hearing, Sean Dunne, 26, pleaded guilty to two counts of assault causing harm after attacking a couple of American tourists in their sixties in the elevator of the Ashling Hotel on 7 April 2023. Dunne repeatedly punched the woman, threatened her with rape and murder, and struck her husband, causing bloodshed in the elevator. Garda Stephen Lawlor, on mobile patrol, responded to a call after 9 pm, found Dunne restrained on the corridor floor, and noted blood on the carpet. The couple received on‑scene treatment but did not require hospital care. Dunne, who has ten prior convictions and was diagnosed with schizophrenia in 2020, denied the assault. He has been in custody since April 2023, is on medication, and has shown improved mental health. Ms Justice Sarah Berkeley ordered a probation report and adjourned the matter until October 2024.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: American tourists attacked, threatened with rape and murder, in Dublin city centre hotel. Charges or matters: two counts of assault causing harm against the couple on April 7, 2023, at the Ashling Hotel, Parkgate Street, Dublin. Procedural stage: hearing_or_decision
When:
- April 7, 2023 Incident
- April 2023 Incident
- October 2024 Adjournment
- 2024-06-13 Publication
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: two counts of assault causing harm against the couple on April 7, 2023, at the Ashling Hotel, Parkgate Street, Dublin (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: Ms Justice Sarah Berkeley ordered the probation services to carry out a report and adjourned this matter for finalisation until October 2024.
Places mentioned
- Clover Hill Prison
- Dublin
- Dublin Circuit Criminal Court
- Parkgate Street
- Dublin
Topics
Stage Hearing Or Decision 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