Dublin man avoids conviction after arming himself with hockey stick during knife altercation
The Wicklow PeopleA Dublin carpenter, who admitted possessing a hockey stick with intent to intimidate another person, has avoided a conviction, after a court heard he armed himself following an incident involving a man allegedly carrying a knife.
Jake Kane (23), of Shanganagh Cliffs, Shankill, Dublin 18, pleaded guilty at a sitting of Bray District Court to one count of possessing an article, namely a hockey stick, with intent to cause injury, incapacitate or intimidate a person.
Sergeant Mick Dee informed the court that on April 24, 2026, at St Anne’s Park, Shankill, gardaí arrested the accused with a hockey stick in his hand. The court heard that he told gardaí he had it following an altercation with an unknown party.
Solicitor for the defendant, Dermot Hickey, explained that his client was visiting his aunt when his cousin became involved in an altercation with a man who allegedly arrived at the house carrying a knife, before the occupants of the home “armed themselves for the purpose of self-defence”.
He said that Mr Kane is a former carpenter who had been working until a company bought out his employer, leaving him without work.
Judge Andy Gubbins remarked that he hoped the accused could find gainful employment before “cutting him a big break” by allowing Mr Kane to donate €200 to Little Blue Heroes in order to avoid a conviction.
The matter was adjourned until August, with Mr Kane facing a criminal record if the donation is not paid.