DUBLIN, IRELAND – Two men in Dublin have been sentenced to prison for a violent attack on American tourists in the Temple Bar area. The assault, described as “cowardly, nasty and very violent,” left twin brothers, aged 20, injured and robbed of their belongings.
During the incident on July 19th last year, Cian Cleary and Patrick McCarthy targeted the tourists as they were walking home. Cleary, with 61 previous convictions, cycled by the brothers and initiated the attack by punching one of them without provocation. McCarthy, with 18 previous convictions, joined Cleary in assaulting both brothers, stealing a wallet and a phone, and throwing a bottle at one of the victims’ heads.
The severity of the violence was evident from the CCTV footage presented in court, leading Judge Elva Duffy to hand down sentences of two-and-a-half years for McCarthy and 18 months for Cleary. Judge Duffy emphasized the impact the assault had on the victims, as one required medical attention and a brain scan due to injuries sustained.
In defense of Cleary, Aidan McCarthy highlighted his client’s troubled background and early exposure to drugs, while Keith Spencer defended McCarthy by mentioning his educational background and aspirations to work in construction post-release. Despite the suspended portions of their sentences, Judge Duffy warned both men against returning to criminal activities during their probation period.
The absence of victim impact statements did not diminish the gravity of the assault, as Judge Duffy underscored the lasting impact it had on the young men. She admonished the perpetrators for their actions, expressing hope that they felt deep remorse upon witnessing the brutality of their attack on the tourists.