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Grandmother had spleen removed after wheel brace attack, court hears
Summary
Keith Macken, aged 44, was sentenced to nine years in prison for assaulting Lisa Lynch, a grandmother, with a wheel brace outside Dublin Airport. The attack left Lynch choking on her own blood, requiring emergency surgery to remove a ruptured spleen and resulting in serious injuries including a fractured rib, lacerated liver and spleen. Lynch suffered flashbacks and panic attacks, describing a changed relationship with men and a withdrawal from socialising. Macken had previously pleaded guilty to a burglary in Swords, for which he received an 18‑month sentence. The court imposed a total of 10½ years, nine years for the assault and 18 months for the burglary, to run consecutively. The case highlighted the severity of the assault and the impact on the victim's health and wellbeing. Keith Macken pleaded not guilty.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Grandmother had spleen removed after wheel brace attack, court hears. Charges or matters: assault causing serious harm to the woman – his then partner's friend – just hours after he had met her for the first time; the attack on Lisa Lynch on October 20, 2023 outside the perimeter fence of Dublin Airport. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- October 20, 2023 Incident
- December 29, 2021 Incident
- October 2023 Incident
- 2025-07-14 Publication
Why: She explained that Macken hadn't really come to terms with what he had done until he heard Ms Lynch give evidence. CNI source report
Case subjects
Accused
Charges: assault causing serious harm to the woman – his then partner's friend – just hours after he had met her for the first time; the attack on Lisa Lynch on October 20, 2023 outside the perimeter fence of Dublin Airport (Alleged Or Contested)
Plea: Not guilty
Outcome: Macken also received a separate 18-month sentence after pleading guilty to a burglary at an address in Swords on December 29, 2021.
Places mentioned
Topics
Burglary Stage Sentence Violent Crime
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