By Eimear Dodd
A convicted killer has been handed a one-year sentence for punching a man outside a Dublin pub two years ago.
Derek Boyd (31) is serving a life sentence after being convicted last July of the murder of Mark Carroll on June 9, 2024 at Boyd’s then home in Scribblestown Place, Finglas, Co. Dublin.
Boyd appeared in Dublin Circuit Criminal Court today in relation to the assault of another man outside the Abbey Tavern, Finglas in April 2024, less than two months before the killing of Mr Carroll.
He also has previous convictions for manslaughter and the unlawful possession of a firearm.
Boyd was handed a four-year sentence with the final two years suspended in December 2022 for the manslaughter of his 36-year-old sister Sandra Boyd in March that year at his then home in Collins Place, Finglas.
He told gardaí at the time that by killing his sister through an accidental discharge of an illegally held loaded semi-automatic pistol in March 2022 that he committed “an unpardonable sin” for which he will pay, for the rest of his life
He had sourced the semi-automatic pistol and live rounds of ammunition because he was concerned for his own and his family’s safety as a result of threats made to him, the court heard at the time.
Boyd pleaded guilty to assault with intent to cause bodily harm, on April 17, 2024.
Detective Garda Robert Diffley gave evidence that he viewed CCTV as part of another investigation and was told there had been a disagreement at the Abbey Tavern.
He saw Boyd in the footage becoming involved in an altercation.
Boyd was escorted from the pub by family members, left the area but returned a short time later.
Boyd then assaulted a man by punching him, knocking him to the ground.
The footage showed the injured party bleeding from his nose when he got up.
This man declined to co-operate with the garda investigation.
Boyd was arrested, and when interviewed, denied it was him.
Judge Martin Nolan noted that Boyd had punched a man at the pub.
He imposed a one-year sentence from today’s date.
The judge said the court viewed the one-year sentence as “suitable”. “I don’t think it will affect him unduly,” Judge Nolan noted.