Courts / Dublin / Report

Man admits terrorism charges including knife attack on gardai

Date
2026-01-12
Stage
Trial
Primary locality
Dublin City
County
Dublin

Summary

A 24-year-old man has pleaded guilty to a range of terrorism-related charges, including the arson of a pub owned by Conor McGregor and a knife attack on gardai in Dublin city centre. Abdullah Khan, who cannot have his address disclosed due to a court order, appeared before the Special Criminal Court and was arraigned on eight counts. His defence counsel, Michael Bowman SC, highlighted a 'complex psychological background' and requested a report on the defendant. Khan admitted to charges that include arson at the Black Forge Inn on July 25, 2025, and a knife attack on gardai on July 29, 2025, at Capel Street. He was also charged with two counts of endangerment and two counts of engaging in terrorist activity. The court, presided over by Ms Justice Karen O'Connor, adjourned the case for victim impact statements and scheduled a further hearing for March 23. Khan was remanded in custody.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Man admits terrorism charges including knife attack on gardai. Charges or matters: terrorist activities that include the arson of a pub owned by Conor McGregor and a knife attack on gardai in a separate incident in Dublin city centre; all eight charges before the three-judge, non-jury court. Procedural stage: trial

When:

Case subjects

Unnamed 24-year-old

Accused

Charges: terrorist activities that include the arson of a pub owned by Conor McGregor and a knife attack on gardai in a separate incident in Dublin city centre; all eight charges before the three-judge, non-jury court (Admitted)

Plea: Guilty

Outcome: Ms Justice Karen O'Connor adjourned the matter for victim impact statements and put the case back to March 23, with the defendant remanded in custody.

Places mentioned

Incident
Court Venue
  • Special Criminal Court
Secondary Mention
Address Area
  • Drimnagh Road

Topics

Stage Trial

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