Dublin, Ireland – Two men were sentenced to jail for assaulting two American tourists in a violent incident in Temple Bar last year. The twin brothers, aged 20, were walking home when they were attacked, robbed, and physically assaulted by the perpetrators. The shocking assault was captured on CCTV footage, illustrating the gravity of the crime.
Cian Cleary, 23, and Patrick McCarthy, 28, both with extensive criminal records, pleaded guilty to various charges related to the assault. Cleary, who has 61 previous convictions, admitted to assault causing harm and robbery, while McCarthy, with 18 previous convictions, pleaded guilty to assault causing harm to both victims. The assault, described as “cowardly, nasty, and very violent” by Judge Elva Duffy, left one of the twins hospitalized with injuries requiring a brain scan.
The court heard how Cleary initiated the attack by cycling past the brothers before launching an unprovoked assault, causing one of them to fall to the ground. McCarthy then joined in the assault, separating the twins and subjecting them to further violence. The perpetrators mercilessly punched and kicked the victims, with Cleary stealing a wallet and phone from one of them. The violence culminated in McCarthy throwing a bottle at one of the victims before fleeing the scene.
In sentencing, Judge Duffy handed down prison terms to Cleary and McCarthy, with part of their sentences suspended. She warned the men against further criminal behavior, emphasizing the seriousness of their actions. The defense attorneys provided background information on the perpetrators, highlighting their troubled pasts and struggles with drugs.
The lack of victim impact statements in court did not diminish the seriousness of the assault, indicating the lasting impact it had on the young tourists. Judge Duffy’s strong stance on violence and criminal behavior reflected the severity of the assault and the need for justice to be served. The sentencing serves as a reminder of the consequences of such ruthless and unwarranted acts of violence in society.