‘vicious assault’ | 

Man smashed wine bottle over victim’s head in Dublin off-licence attack

Taidhg Burke (23) was one of two men who followed victim into shop and attacked him as he hid behind off-licence counter

Today at 08:45

​A YOUNG man who smashed a bottle of wine over another man’s head in a “vicious” assault in a convenience store has been sentenced to three months in prison.

Taidhg Burke (23) was one of two men who followed the victim into the shop and attacked him when he took refuge behind the off-licence counter.

Judge David McHugh imposed the sentence at Blanchardstown District Court.

Burke, of Lealand Drive, Clondalkin, pleaded guilty to assault causing harm to the man on November 4, 2021.

Garda Sergeant Maria Callaghan said the victim appeared to be hiding from someone when he went into Londis, Bawnogue, Clondalkin on the day.

Seconds later, two men arrived on bikes.

The victim noticed them and “took refuge” behind a counter, she said.

Burke picked up a wine bottle and smashed it over the victim’s head, causing cuts.

Gardai identified Burke on CCTV. In a follow-up search at his house, he was seen throwing a plastic bag out the bathroom window.

It fell into a neighbour’s back yard and when retrieved, it contained €755 worth of cannabis.

He admitted possession of drugs.

Burke apologised profusely for the assault, his solicitor William Cadogan said.

He said there had been a previous incident in which the victim was allegedly found in Burke’s house when he should not have been.

Burke accepted that it did not matter what transpired earlier; he reacted wrongly, Mr Cadogan said.

The accused had learned a salutary lesson and Mr Cadogan asked the judge not to jail Burke.

Judge McHugh said he would describe the assault as “vicious” and it required a prison sentence.

He said he had “no hesitation” in sentencing the accused to three months. He said this was the “minimum” penalty he could impose in the circumstances.

He also fined the accused €300 for the drugs charge.