Courts / Dublin / Report
Jail for man who took knife and slashed 17-year-old's face
Summary
Christopher Byrne, 29, of Coolock, was sentenced by the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to two years' imprisonment, with the final year suspended, for slashing the face of his ex‑girlfriend's 17‑year‑old brother in February 2015. Byrne pleaded guilty to assault causing harm and to possessing a stun gun without a certificate. The incident occurred at the ex‑girlfriend's apartment in Santry when Byrne, acting under a "cloud of anger" after their relationship ended, grabbed a knife from the kitchen sink and struck the boy across the nose and cheek, leaving him in a pool of blood. The boy required 16 stitches and reported being afraid to leave home for a month. Byrne had 28 prior convictions, including two for assault. He was described as remorseful, drug‑free, in a new relationship and training to become a fitness instructor. The judge characterised the assault as vicious, unprovoked and an act of rage, noting the victim's disfiguring laceration.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Jail for man who took knife and slashed 17-year-old's face. Charges or matters: assault causing harm to the boy at an apartment in Santry on February 8, 2015; possessing a stun gun without a certificate at his home on February 25, 2015. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- February 8, 2015 Incident
- February 25, 2015 Incident
- February 25 Incident
- 2016-07-20 Publication
Why: He said he believed he was turned down for a job because of the scar on his face. CNI source report
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: assault causing harm to the boy at an apartment in Santry on February 8, 2015; possessing a stun gun without a certificate at his home on February 25, 2015 (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: He handed down a two-year sentence but suspended the last 12 months.
Places mentioned
Topics
Drugs Stage Sentence Violent Crime
Related court reports
- Man charged with having 56k child abuse images and videos remanded on bail
- Ex-Dáil hopeful's allegations against former employer 'complete fantasy', WRC told
- Mater must pay €10k to worker who said he was wrongly accused of abusing patient
- 'I think we know I won't be getting bail' - Daniel Kinahan charged with directing criminal organisation
- Letting agent who claimed alleged domestic violence victim abandoned tenancy by fleeing to refuge must pay €14.7k
- 77-year-old with 470 convictions told Luas staff to 'f**k off'
Help us improve this report
Your request is saved for the newsroom's next review. It does not immediately change the published report.
Prefer email? Send a correction request.