Courts / Dublin / Report

Nigerian native avoids jail for unprovoked nightclub attack after judge says "everyone is entitled to one mistake"

Summary

Ajibola Ajala, 22, pleaded guilty to assault causing harm after an unprovoked attack on Gary Doran at the Wright Venue nightclub in Swords on 17 December 2011. Doran suffered head injuries and a fractured jaw, with nine staples inserted into his skull. Ajala, who had never been in trouble before and had come to Ireland from Nigeria at age 15, was found by Judge Patrick McCartan to have no reason for the assault. The judge, citing that everyone is entitled to one mistake, suspended a two‑year jail term on the condition that Ajala pay €5,000 to Doran within six months. Failure to pay or any further trouble within two years could result in imprisonment. The case was heard in Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, with counsel for both parties present. The judge emphasised the lack of evidence that Ajala was involved in any groping or that a drink had been thrown at him.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Nigerian native avoids jail for unprovoked nightclub attack after judge says "everyone is entitled to one mistake". Charges or matters: assault causing harm to Gary Doran at the Wright Venue nightclub in Swords on December 17, 2011. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

• December 17, 2011 Incident
• 2016-01-22 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Sentence Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report