Courts / Dublin / Report
No jail for man who "made life miserable for the gardai"
Summary
Joe O'Donnell, 23, pleaded guilty to violent disorder and damaging a Garda Ford Transit van at St Philomena's Park, Blanchardstown, on 9 February 2013. He was sentenced by Judge Martin Nolan to a two‑year suspended sentence on strict conditions. O'Donnell had seven prior convictions and had never been imprisoned before. The judge remarked that O'Donnell had "made life miserable for the gardai" and warned that he should observe his surroundings or face future imprisonment. The incident involved O'Donnell, his brother Anthony (who died), and John Mongan. Mongan received a two‑and‑a‑half‑year sentence in November 2015. O'Donnell was physically restrained, handcuffed and later became passive after being put to the ground. The Garda van's front windscreen was smashed and a front light was hanging off. No gun was produced during the disturbance. The court noted that O'Donnell had no history of violence at the time of the offence, although he had subsequently accrued road traffic convictions.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: No jail for man who "made life miserable for the gardai". Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- February 9, 2013 Adjournment
- November 2015 Adjournment
- 2016-07-26 Publication
Why: "He should observe his surroundings because that may be his future if he does not behave," he warned. CNI source report
Case subjects
Co Accused
Outcome: John Mongan, received a two and a half year sentence for his role in the incident in November 2015. Judge Nolan imposed a two year sentence which he suspended on strict conditions.; Judge Martin Nolan had remanded O'Donnell in custody after hearing evidence in the case last week.
Places mentioned
- St. Margarets Road
- Dublin
- Dublin
- Dublin Circuit Criminal Court
- St Philomena's Park
Topics
Road Traffic Stage Sentence Violent Crime
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