Courts / Dublin / Report

On-bail teen offender fractured homeless man's skull in unprovoked assault

Date
2026-07-14

Stage
Finding

Primary locality
Dublin

County
Dublin

Summary

Shane Murray, a teenager with 81 previous convictions, was on bail when he punched a homeless man, leaving him with fractures to his skull and face. Murray assaulted Damien Merrigan on a Dublin street in 2023, but left the country after gardai identified him. Merrigan remained in hospital for seven days and later died in 2025. Murray pleaded guilty to assault causing serious harm. CCTV footage showed Murray placing something on his hand before the assault. He was identified from CCTV and returned voluntarily in 2024. His defence highlighted his troubled background, including a lack of a father figure and drug use. The prosecution argued for a sentencing range of ten to 15 years due to the unprovoked nature of the assault and the use of an implement. The defence requested a lower sentencing range. Murray's mother was in court to support him. Judge Jonathan Dunphy adjourned the case until Friday to consider the sentencing.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: On-bail teen offender fractured homeless man's skull in unprovoked assault. Charges or matters: assault causing serious harm on September 7, 2023; murder when he was an infant and that he had no father figure at home growing up. Procedural stage: finding. Findings: Convicted

When:

September 7, 2023 Incident
July 2025 Incident
August 2022 Incident
2026-07-14 Publication

Case subjects

Unnamed teenager

Defendant

Charges: assault causing serious harm on September 7, 2023; murder when he was an infant and that he had no father figure at home growing up (Proven)

Plea: Guilty

Finding: Convicted

Outcome: Convicted; Remanding Murray in continuing custody, he adjourned the case until Friday.