Courts / Dublin / Report

'I honestly don't know why': Chef avoids jail for 'bizarrely' biting co-worker

Summary

John O'Toole, a 33‑year‑old chef from Ballyfermot, pleaded guilty to assault causing harm after biting a co‑worker's shoulder twice on 17 July 2023 at the Clayton Hotel. He admitted the act was "the most stupid thing I had done" and apologized via text. The victim, who was working in the dining area, described shock, fear and a throbbing shoulder, later receiving antibiotics and a tetanus shot. She filed a victim impact statement expressing ongoing distress. Judge Pauline Codd, noting the workplace setting and the victim's safety, imposed an 18‑month headline sentence, suspended in full for one year, and ordered O'Toole to pay €3,000 to the victim within six months. He had no prior convictions and had been working at the hotel for ten years before resigning. The court highlighted his early guilty plea and steps toward therapy as mitigating factors.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: 'I honestly don't know why': Chef avoids jail for 'bizarrely' biting co-worker. Charges or matters: assault causing harm at the Clayton Hotel Liffey, Valley, Dublin, on July 17, 2023. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

• July 17, 2023 Incident
• 2024-07-25 Publication

Why: The woman went to the bathroom because her shoulder was "throbbing. CNI source report

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Sentence Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report