Courts / Dublin / Report
Six years for on-bail offender who fractured homeless man's skull in 'cowardly' attack
Summary
A former teenager with 81 previous convictions who was on bail when he punched a homeless man in a 'cowardly, savage attack', causing serious injuries, has been jailed for six years. Shane Murray, then 19, assaulted Damien Merrigan on a Dublin street three years ago but fled the country after being identified. Mr Merrigan, who was homeless, died in July 2025. The court heard that major force was required to fracture the skull and facial bones. Murray pleaded guilty to assault causing serious harm in 2023. Judge Jonathan Dunphy noted the unprovoked nature of the attack and that the victim was vulnerable. The judge inferred that an implement was used, and that Murray left the scene, highlighting a disregard for the victim and the criminal justice system. The judge accepted Murray's expression of remorse and suspended the final two years of the eight-year sentence on strict conditions. Murray has a difficult background, including addiction issues and a history of drug offences.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Six years for on-bail offender who fractured homeless man's skull in 'cowardly' attack. Charges or matters: assault causing serious harm on September 7, 2023. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- September 7, 2023 Incident
- July 2025 Incident
- August 2022 Incident
- 2026-07-17 Publication
Case subjects
Convicted Person
Charges: assault causing serious harm on September 7, 2023 (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: Judge Dunphy suspended the final two years of the eight-year sentence on strict conditions for three years including probation supervision and that Murray complete an alternatives to violence programme while in custody.
Places mentioned
- Dublin street
- Beaumont Hospital
Topics
Drugs Stage Sentence Violent Crime
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