'Has your client ever heard of the Guards?': Judge spares dad who produced hammer
A father who produced a hammer outside another person’s home after hearing an allegation that his son had been assaulted has avoided a conviction at Tallaght District Court.
Neil Murray (47), of Tree Park Drive, Kilnamanagh, Dublin 24, pleaded guilty to producing a hammer in a manner likely to intimidate during an incident on July 3, 2024. The charge was brought under Section 11 of the Firearms and Offensive Weapons Act, 1990.
Garda David Dunne told the court that Mr Murray went to the house with a hammer following an alleged row involving his young son and another boy. Mr Murray said it was a reaction to his son being allegedly assaulted, and that the defendant believed the person involved was an adult – although the court heard this person had not yet reached his majority.
Mr Murray was described as fully cooperative with gardaí.
His solicitor, Kevin Tunney, said Mr Murray is a construction worker and a father who overreacted out of concern for his son, and now accepts it was the wrong way to handle things.
The court heard that Mr Murray has one previous conviction for possession of a knife from 2005.
Judge Vincent Deane asked: “Has your client ever heard of the Guards?” and added: “How do we know he’s not going to go ’round the houses every time he loses the head?”
Turning to Mr Murray, the judge said: “Do I have your sworn promise you won’t do this kind of thing again?” The defendant agreed and gave €300 to the court for the Little Blue Heroes charity.
Judge Deane applied Section 1(1) of the Probation of Offenders Act, meaning Mr Murray was left without a conviction.