DUBLIN, IRELAND – Two men who viciously attacked American tourists in the popular Temple Bar area have been sentenced to jail for their cowardly and violent actions. The assault, which took place last year, left twin brothers aged 20 with injuries after being punched, kicked, and robbed of their belongings.
The perpetrators, Cian Cleary and Patrick McCarthy, were handed prison terms of two and a half years and 18 months, respectively. Cleary, with a history of 61 past convictions, including theft and possession of knives, pleaded guilty to assault causing harm and robbery. McCarthy, who has 18 previous convictions related to drugs and criminal damage, pleaded guilty to assault causing harm.
During the sentencing, Judge Elva Duffy emphasized the severity of the violence displayed in the CCTV footage of the attack. The incident unfolded when Cleary first assaulted one of the brothers in an unprovoked attack, causing him to fall to the ground. Subsequently, Cleary and McCarthy, along with two other men, proceeded to separate the brothers and continue the assault, ultimately stealing a wallet and phone.
Both victims suffered physical injuries, with one requiring a brain scan due to a welt on his forehead. The extent of the assault was described as “cowardly, nasty, and very violent” by Judge Duffy, who sentenced Cleary to three years and three months, with part of the sentence suspended, and McCarthy to two and a half years, with part of the sentence suspended as well.
In defense of Cleary, his attorney mentioned his difficult upbringing and history of drug use from a young age. McCarthy, on the other hand, had completed secondary education, a sports and fitness course, and had aspirations to work in construction post-release. The judge warned both men of the consequences should they re-offend during the probation period.
The absence of victim impact statements in court did not diminish the gravity of the situation, as the judge underscored the impact the assault had on the young men. The sentencing aimed to hold the perpetrators accountable for their actions and deter future acts of violence in the city center.