Jail term for Louth father of five who stabbed another man outside nightclub
A father of five who stabbed another man in a Drogheda nightclub has been jailed for 4 years and 9 months.
Damien O’Rourke, Boice Court, Drogheda, received 2 years and 9 months for the assault which occurred at Fusion, George’s Street when the victim was left with blood gushing from a wound to his ribs.
At a sentence hearing at Dundalk Circuit Court, the defendant got a further two years consecutive for separate break-ins.
He pleaded guilty to charges of assault causing harm in respect of the nightclub incident, and burglary and criminal damage concerning the other matters.
His victim was left with a 10cm deep wound. Mr O’Rourke was identified from CCTV footage, while the investigating Garda said there was ‘no reason’ for the incident and no connection between the two men.
Gda Ryan Smith testified that on September 23, 2023, the injured man had been drinking before going to Fusion with friends, where there was a row of a relatively minor nature until he realised he had been stabbed. A wound to his right ribs was gushing blood.
He told a friend, and was escorted by bouncers before being taken by ambulance to Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital.
It was discovered that the knife had “knicked” his liver.
Today’s News in 90 seconds - Thursday February 26
Gda Smith continued that the man didn’t know who did it. Neither did he provide a Victim Impact Statement.
The officer said that he identified Damien O'Rourke from CCTV. He could be seen pulling something from his waistband or pocket.
There was no reason for what happened, and no connection between the parties.
The accused was on bail for the burglaries at the time.
During a break-in at the Polo Stores, North Quay, Drogheda, a bandana he was wearing, fell off and was left behind. His DNA was obtained from it.
At McHugh’s Pub, Chord Road, a €700 mobile phone and charity box containing €40 were stolen.
Mr O’Rourke has 75 previous convictions, including 29 for burglary and 11 for criminal damage.
A probation report assessed him at high risk of re-offending. His engagement with the Probation Service was poor.
He began using cannabis at 12 or 13, then tablets and cocaine.
Judge Dara Hayes remarked that while the assault was not premeditated, the defendant had taken a knife to a nightclub and used it. That was a serious aggravating factor.
Concurrent 2-year sentences were imposed on burglary and criminal damage charges, consecutive to 2 years and 9 months for the assault.
Judge Hayes said that there was no evidential basis to suspend any portion.