Courts / Dublin / Report

Community service for criminal who armed himself with a hammer to attack pub security staff

Date
2026-05-07
Stage
Sentence
Primary locality
Dublin
County
Dublin

Summary

Clive McCarthy has been sentenced to 240 hours of community service for attacking pub security staff with a hammer. McCarthy, 45, was identified and arrested after returning to The Bloody Stream pub in Howth with a friend, armed with a hammer. He had previously been refused entry and later assaulted a security guard and a female customer. McCarthy was intoxicated and had a history of 18 previous convictions. The court heard that the victims suffered superficial injuries and that McCarthy issued threats, claiming he would shoot and kneecap the staff. Judge Orla Crowe noted that McCarthy had taken tentative steps to address his addiction and was now caring for his brother. She imposed community service in lieu of a two-year sentence, giving him two years to complete it. The judge acknowledged that McCarthy's behavior was inexcusable but considered his probation report and current responsibilities in her sentencing decision. Clive McCarthy pleaded guilty.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Community service for criminal who armed himself with a hammer to attack pub security staff. Charges or matters: two charges of assault causing harm and a charge of assault at The Bloody Stream pub, at Howth Railway Station on October 6, 2024. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

Case subjects

Clive McCarthy

Defendant

Charges: two charges of assault causing harm and a charge of assault at The Bloody Stream pub, at Howth Railway Station on October 6, 2024 (Admitted)

Plea: Guilty

Outcome: She said that it was a 'very, very marginal case', but would give him the opportunity of doing community service. She imposed 240 hours of community service in lieu of a two-year sentence, giving him two years to complete it.; Judge Orla Crowe previously commented that it was "an inherently serious" offence before she adjourned the case to allow for the preparation of a report from the Probation Service.

Places mentioned

Residence
Court Venue
  • Dublin
  • Dublin Circuit Criminal Court

Topics

Stage Sentence

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