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Three soldiers 'thrown away all their potential' with assault, judge says
Summary
Three armed forces members – Jordan Kavanagh (24), his brother Jerome (23) and friend Jason Keating (24) – attacked a young man in a late‑night bar after a drink was spilled. The trio pleaded guilty to assault causing harm and violent disorder. The victim, a man in his 20s, suffered a concussion, broken teeth and facial scarring. All three resigned from the army before court. They expressed remorse and submitted apology letters. The judge, Sinéad McMullan, noted their potential and the impact on the victim, ordered a Probation Report and considered restorative justice. The case was adjourned for sentencing on 3 November, with the men remanded on continuing bail. No prior convictions were recorded for any of the defendants.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Three soldiers 'thrown away all their potential' with assault, judge says. Charges or matters: one count of assault causing harm and one count of violent disorder outside The Living Room bar in Cathal Brugha Street on February 25, 2024. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- February 25, 2024 Incident
- November 3 Adjournment
- 2025-07-18 Publication
Why: " He resigned from the army ahead of his court appearance because he was mindful of the fact that the case could draw negative media attention to the army, "an organisation he loved". CNI source report
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: one count of assault causing harm and one count of violent disorder outside The Living Room bar in Cathal Brugha Street on February 25, 2024 (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: Defence counsel urged the judge to consider all sentencing options available to her, including a non-custodial sentence and community service. Judge McMullen said she would order a Probation Report, and she also asked prosecution counsel to look into whether restorative justice would be suitable as part of the sentence being imposed. "This is one of the most profoundly depressing lunch times I've ever had in this building," she said, referring to the material she had reviewed during the break. "For these young men to overcome such barriers and throw it all away in a moment of madness…What they did is just completely appalling.; They have thrown away all their potential. (The complainant's) life is absolutely ruined." She adjourned the matter for sentence on November 3 and remanded the men on continuing bail until then.
Places mentioned
- Dublin
- Dublin Circuit Criminal Court
- Ballymun
- Poppintree
- Poppintree Crescent
- Whiteacre Place
- Cathal Brugha Street
Topics
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