Courts / Dublin / Report

Funeral-goer who attacked man after trying to kick his dog is jailed

Date
2016-07-01

Stage
Sentence

Primary locality
Dublin

County
Dublin

Summary

During a funeral in Dublin, Liam O'Connell, aged 26, attacked Seamus Mooney, 58, after attempting to kick one of Mooney's dogs. O'Connell punched Mooney between six and ten times while Mooney lay on the ground, and also kicked the dog. Mooney defended himself with a walking stick, which he carried after a recent hip replacement. O'Connell pleaded guilty to assault causing harm at the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. Witnesses observed the assault, and a passing motorist stopped the attack before O'Connell and his family left in a taxi. Gardaí later identified O'Connell and arrested him. Mooney was taken to hospital for swelling, bleeding, cuts and facial numbness. O'Connell was sentenced to 14 months' imprisonment, with no compensation or community service imposed. The case highlighted O'Connell's 16 prior convictions, including violent disorder. The judge noted his drunken state and mourning as mitigating factors but still imposed the jail term.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Funeral-goer who attacked man after trying to kick his dog is jailed. Charges or matters: assault causing harm on the Navan Road on April 4, 2013. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

April 4, 2013 Incident
2016-07-01 Publication

Why: The accused punched Mr Mooney and the victim tried to defend himself with his walking stick which he had with him because of a recent hip replacement. CNI source report

Case subjects

Liam O'Connell

Accused

Charges: assault causing harm on the Navan Road on April 4, 2013 (Admitted)

Plea: Guilty

Outcome: She said he required surgery due to knee and back injuries he sustained in a car accident but was willing to do community service once he recovered. Judge Martin Nolan said neither compensation or community service were appropriate and that "unfortunately" he had to impose a jail term.