Dublin, Ireland – Two men have been sentenced to jail for brutally assaulting American tourists in Temple Bar last year. The tourists, twin brothers aged 20, were walking home when they were attacked, robbed of their wallet and phone, as well as punched and kicked by the assailants.
In Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, Cian Cleary, 23, of Bray, Co Wicklow, admitted to assaulting and robbing one of the men, while Patrick McCarthy, 28, of Crumlin, Dublin, pleaded guilty to assaulting both men. CCTV footage of the assault was presented as evidence during the court proceedings.
Judge Elva Duffy noted the severity of the violence captured on the CCTV footage, describing the assault as “cowardly, nasty, and very violent.” The brothers were ambushed by the attackers, with Cleary approaching them on a bike before physically assaulting one of the twins without provocation. Subsequently, McCarthy joined Cleary in attacking both brothers, with Cleary stealing from one of them.
Following the assault, one of the victims required a brain scan due to a welt on his forehead, while the other was left sore and shaken. Judge Duffy sentenced Cleary to three years and three months in prison, with nine months suspended, and McCarthy to two and a half years, with twelve months suspended. She warned both men of the consequences should they reappear before the court during the probation period.
In defense of Cleary, his lawyer, Aidan McCarthy, highlighted his client’s troubled background, revealing a history that included time in care and drug use since the age of 13. McCarthy’s defense, Keith Spencer, mentioned his client’s completion of a sports and fitness course and expressed his desire to continue working in construction post-release.
The lack of victim impact statements in court did not diminish the judge’s acknowledgment of the profound impact the assault had on the young men. The incident serves as a chilling reminder of the dangers faced by individuals while walking through public spaces, emphasizing the importance of safety and vigilance.