Courts / Dublin / Report
Assault sentencing adjourned until law is clarified
Summary
In a case involving an inmate who assaulted three prison officers, the final sentencing has been adjourned until the High Court's recent ruling on the activation of suspended sentences is clarified. Judge Melanie Greally, hearing the case at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, intended to impose a partially suspended term on Eoghan McGarry, 30, but declined to enforce a sentence that could not be upheld if he re‑offended. McGarry, originally from Tallaght and without a fixed abode, pleaded guilty to assault causing harm to the officers on 23 April 2015. He attacked them with a homemade weapon made from razor blades and a toothbrush while they delivered breakfast. Two officers suffered post‑traumatic stress and have not returned to work. McGarry was present in court flanked by five officers in riot gear.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Assault sentencing adjourned until law is clarified. Charges or matters: assault causing harm to the three men at Mountjoy Prison on April 23, 2015. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- April 23, 2015 Incident
- March 2015 Adjournment
- December 2017 Incident
- 2016-04-21 Publication
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: assault causing harm to the three men at Mountjoy Prison on April 23, 2015 (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: Judge Greally imposed sentences of two and a half years on McGarry consecutive to his current prison sentence and indicated she was proposing to impose a four and half year sentence with the final year suspended on the most serious assault. McGarry is currently serving a four year sentence with the final year suspended for aggravated burglary imposed in March 2015.
Places mentioned
- High Court
- Dublin
- Dublin Circuit Criminal Court
- Mountjoy
- Mountjoy Prison
- Central Mental Hospital
Topics
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