Courts / Dublin / Report

Canadian tourist had head 'treated like football' by Romanian national, family tell court

Summary

A Canadian tourist, Neno Dolmajian, was brutally beaten to death on a Dublin street by a Romanian national, Ionut Danca, who was described by the victim's sister as having 'treated my brother's head like a football'. The victim's sister, Maral Dolmajian, spoke at the Central Criminal Court about her brother's character, describing him as a 'good person, kind, funny, thoughtful and a joy to be around'. Danca pleaded guilty to the unlawful killing of Dolmajian, who was assaulted on June 23, 2024, and died nine days later. The court heard that Danca delivered a 'running kick straight to the face' of the deceased. Danca's co-accused, Madalin Ghiuzan, pleaded guilty to assaulting Dolmajian. The court will deliver a sentence on February 17. Danca's defence argued that he was initially trying to act as a peacemaker and that he has no previous convictions. The victim's family asked for a sentence that reflects the violence suffered and acknowledges their loss.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Canadian tourist had head 'treated like football' by Romanian national, family tell court. Charges or matters: assaulting Mr Dolmajian, causing him harm at Cathal Brugha St, Dublin 1. Procedural stage: trial

When:

• July 2, 2024 Incident
• June 23, 2024 Incident
• June 2024 Other
• July 2 Other
• Tuesday, February 17 Incident
• 2026-02-09 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Trial Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report