Courts / Dublin / Report

Teenager avoids jail for throwing airsoft grenade 'for fun'

Summary

Patrick O'Brien, 18, was sentenced to a suspended nine‑month term after he threw two airsoft grenades in the underground car park of the IBIS hotel in Clondalkin, Dublin, in February. The grenades produced a bang and a flash, and one was thrown toward a man who later reported the incident to Clondalkin Garda Station. The man, after picking up the grenade, wrapped it in tissue and brought it to the station, where the gardaí were instructed to place it on the floor, leading to the station's temporary evacuation and the closure of surrounding roads. Bomb disposal units later confirmed the device was a CO₂ airsoft grenade, safe and used in airsoft games. O'Brien pleaded guilty to possession of the grenade; he had no prior convictions. The judge noted his young age and described the act as "an act of stupidity," and imposed the suspended sentence on conditions set by the court.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Teenager avoids jail for throwing airsoft grenade 'for fun'. Charges or matters: possession of the grenade at the hotel on February 16, 2025. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

• February 16, 2025 Incident
• 2025-10-24 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Sentence

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Read the original CNI report