Courts / Dublin / Report

50-year-old jailed after assaulting gardai during Dublin riots

Summary

A 50-year-old man who assaulted three gardai and threw a gas canister at a Public Order Unit vehicle during the 2023 Dublin riots has been jailed for two and a half years. Don Sheridan, who was not an activist, became involved in the riots after hearing about the stabbing of a five-year-old girl. He pleaded guilty to riot, assaulting gardai, and criminal damage. The court heard that Sheridan was not politically motivated but was swept up in the frenzy. He was captured on CCTV throwing a gas canister and participating in the destruction of property. The judge noted Sheridan's health issues and drinking problem but sentenced him to two and a half years in prison. The riots caused extensive damage and injuries, with gardai deploying 600 officers to restore order.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: 50-year-old jailed after assaulting gardai during Dublin riots. Charges or matters: riot, assaulting three gardai and criminal damage in Dublin city centre, on November 23, 2023. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

• November 23, 2023 Incident
• 2025-12-05 Publication

Why: He gave his reason for involvement as protesting "foreigners" who were carrying blades and "what happened to that young kid. CNI source report

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Public Order Stage Sentence

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Read the original CNI report