Men to be sentenced next month

By Jessica Magee

Two men will be sentenced next month for leaving another man with a significant brain injury after a violent attack in Dublin city centre last New Year’s Day.

The victim, who was kicked in the head and left bleeding and unconscious on Aston Quay in the middle of the day, had to undergo a craniotomy or surgical removal of a part of his skull.

The man had three pints of blood removed in hospital and received 96 staples to his head following the attack.

The victim’s skull has been left with a significant depression in it, and he continues to suffer a marked decline in cognitive function, including memory problems, slurred speech and difficulty sleeping.

Jordan Maguire (24) and Shane McGrane (38), both of no fixed abode, pleaded guilty to assault causing serious harm at the corner of Aston Quay and Price’s Lane on January 1 2023.

At a hearing last Thursday (26^th), the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court heard that gardaí were called to find the victim lying unconscious and covered in blood shortly after 12:30 p.m.

Detective Garda Gráinne Collier told Carol Doherty BL, prosecuting, that members of the public had been assisting the man, who was transferred to St James’ Hospital and then to Beaumont Hospital for emergency neurosurgery.

An updated medical report presented to the court said the man had a significant bleed to the brain and required a piece of his skull to be removed.

A victim impact report, which was handed into the court but not read aloud. Prosecuting counsel said the attack has had a long-term impact on the man, who has difficulties with his memory and feels very depressed and alone.

His employment has been affected, and he can no longer mind his grandchildren, to whom he is very close, the court heard.

Gardaí took statements from a number of witnesses who confirmed that two men had fled the scene after attacking the victim.

A significant amount of CCTV footage was collected, some of which was played in court, and showed the two accused changing clothes after the incident.

When McGrane was arrested and asked why they had swapped clothes, he answered: “To evade detection.”

McGrane identified himself on CCTV and said he had pushed the injured party but had not caused the injury.

Maguire was also interviewed, but nothing of evidential value emerged, the court heard.

Det Gda Collier said CCTV showed the victim being kicked to the head, pushed to the ground and then stamped on the head.

Maguire has 45 previous convictions, of which 33 are from the District Court.

His offences include assault, robbery, possession of a knife, threat to kill, criminal damage and resisting a police officer.

Oisín Clarke BL, defending Maguire, said his client had pleaded at the first opportunity.

Counsel said Maguire had amassed most of his previous convictions since the death of his mother, to whom he had been incredibly close.

Mr Clarke said his client turned to drink and drugs to try and drown out the pain of losing his mother and was subsequently kicked out of the house by his sister.

Maguire was living on the street and had been drinking and taking drugs for 48 hours prior to the offence, counsel said.

Since going into custody last May, counsel said Maguire has been using his time well, going to the gym and doing education and training courses.

Maguire is due to be made an enhanced prisoner this week and take up work in prison, the court heard.

McGrane has 33 previous convictions, all summary matters, including criminal damage, possession of stolen property, possession of drugs, theft and violent behaviour in a garda station.

Counsel for McGrane said he pleaded early and identified himself on CCTV footage.

“He is wholeheartedly ashamed and apologetic,” said counsel for McGrane, adding that he has had chronic drug addiction for about 20 years.

McGrane told gardaí that he had been waiting to buy drugs with the victim when the victim spat at him, the court heard.

McGrane has a good relationship with his 20-year-old son and with his partner, who was present in court and very supportive of him, counsel said.

McGrane has made efforts at rehabilitation but had relapsed due to a lack of support.

Judge Orla Crowe adjourned the case for finalisation to November 9.