Dublin, Ireland – A barbershop owner in Blanchardstown, Dublin, has been sentenced to two years and three months in prison for assaulting his housemate two years before leaving another man with a traumatic brain injury in a separate attack.
Craig Maples, 29, was found guilty of assault causing harm to his housemate in a violent altercation in Huntstown, Dublin 15. The victim, who had recently moved in, was attacked while sleeping in his rented room when Maples and two other men barged in, causing head wounds and a badly injured arm.
This incident had such a profound impact on the victim that he felt compelled to leave the country, seeking refuge in Croatia where he could start anew. The victim was left homeless and unable to work for an extended period, leading to significant changes in his life.
Maples, who had previously set up his own barbershop called Faded in Mulhuddart, struggled with addiction to prescription tablets and other drugs, along with mental health issues. Despite his troubled past, Maples’ long-term girlfriend stood by him in court, showcasing support for his rehabilitation journey.
During the sentencing, Judge Orla Crowe emphasized the brutality and unjustifiableness of Maples’ actions, stating that the victim was simply seeking peace in his own home. The judge backdated Maples’ sentence to account for time already spent in custody, indicating that he would not serve additional time in prison.
While Maples’ troubled childhood and family history were cited as contributing factors to his behavior, the court ultimately held him accountable for the violent attacks. As the victim continues to recover from the physical and emotional trauma inflicted upon him, Maples must now reckon with the consequences of his actions.