Courts / Dublin / Report
Petrol bombs thrown in northside v southside Dublin fight, court hears
Summary
An unnamed 20-year-old man was sentenced today at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court for possessing improvised petrol bombs with intent to cause injury. The defendant, who was 16 at the time of the offence, pleaded guilty to one count of the charge. The court heard that on August 25, 2021, he participated in a dispute between rival groups of young people from the northside and southside of Dublin at a block of flats on Pearse Street, Dublin 2. During the incident, which involved between 80 and 100 individuals, the defendant allegedly threw two improvised petrol bombs from a balcony, narrowly missing people below. Judge Orla Crowe described it as a "miracle" that no one was injured. In sentencing, the judge acknowledged the defendant's troubled childhood, including being taken into care at age four, and his status in homeless accommodation at the time of the offence. However, she noted his "exceptional" progress since the incident, citing his current stability and ambition. Taking these mitigating factors into account, Judge Crowe set a sentence of two years, which she suspended in its entirety. The suspension is subject to conditions, including that the defendant remain under the supervision of the Probation Service for one year.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Petrol bombs thrown in northside v southside Dublin fight, court hears. Charges or matters: one count of possessing improvised petrol bombs with intent to cause injury. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- August 25, 2021 Incident
- 2025-04-11 Publication
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: one count of possessing improvised petrol bombs with intent to cause injury (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: As a result of his "exceptional" progress, she set a sentence of two years, which she suspended in its entirety on a number of conditions, including that he remain under the supervision of the Probation Service for one year.
Places mentioned
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