Retired firefighter engaged in ‘boxing match’ during fatal stabbing dispute, court hears

By Eimear Dodd

A retired firefighter engaged in a “boxing match” with a man during a violent disorder in which his cousin was fatally stabbed, a court has heard.

David Howard (55) of Clonkeen Crescent, Dun Laoghaire, Co. Dublin pleaded guilty to a charge of violent disorder on October 15, 2019 at Loughlinstown Drive, Loughlinstown, Co. Dublin.

Dublin Circuit Criminal Court heard Andrew Lacey (35) and another man were walking home from the pub when they encountered the late Derek Reddin (31) and his cousin, David Howard.

There was an altercation during which Lacey stabbed Mr Reddin while Howard punched another party present.

Lacey (35) of Riverside, Loughlinstown, Co Dublin was found not guilty of murder, but guilty of manslaughter following a trial at the Central Criminal Court last year.

Last week, the Court of Appeal imposed a sentence of six years and nine months on Lacey, having quashed the original sentence of seven and a half years with 18 months suspended on the basis of undue leniency.

An investigating garda told Eoghan Cole SC, prosecuting, today that Howard attempted to give first aid to Mr Reddin.

He – along with the other parties – remained at the scene, and spoke to gardai. Howard was later arrested by appointment with gardai.

Mr Cole told Dublin Circuit Criminal Court that the prosecution was taken on the basis that Howard and another man were engaged in a “boxing match”, but backed off when they noticed something was happening.

Howard then saw Lacey and Mr Reddin scuffling before his cousin fell to the ground.

The court heard there had been disputes between associates of Lacey and the late Mr Reddin.

Howard was contacted by the deceased man who told him he wanted to have a “straightener” with Lacey.

Howard tried to talk him out of it, but they went to Loughlinstown on the night in question.

The court heard there is no allegation that Howard had a weapon in his possession or used one during the incident.

Howard gave evidence as a prosecution witness during Lacey’s trial. He has no previous convictions and has not come to recent garda attention.

The investigating garda agreed with Michael Bowman SC, defending, that his client had a conversation with Mr Reddin, who “felt under pressure” with Howard urging him not to do anything as “things would calm down”.

It was accepted that his client was told by Mr Reddin that he wanted to have a “straightener” with Lacey and Howard then agreed to drive him.

It was agreed that Howard made a statement to gardai and was a “central” witness in the trial of Lacey.

It was also accepted that the charge faced by his client related to the interaction between Howard and the third party.

No victim impact statement was provided to the court.

Howard was a firefighter with Dublin Fire Brigade for over 30 years, but is now retired.

He has two adult children. A number of testimonials were handed to the court on his behalf.

Mr Bowman said his client would not have gone there except for a request from a younger member of his family and his involvement was limited to punching the other man.

Judge Martin Nolan said this was an “unfortunate incident” during which Howard exchanged punches with a third party.

He said Howard “behaved well” after the more serious incident and did not deserve a prison sentence.

He imposed a nine-month sentence suspended on strict conditions.