Dublin man receives suspended sentence for 2017 Cork city centre assault

A 31‑year‑old man from Dublin has been given a four‑month suspended sentence after pleading guilty to a simple assault that took place in Cork city centre on 21 August 2017.

David Quirke of Valentia Parade, North Circular Road, Dublin, returned to Ireland from a period spent in Vietnam to appear at Cork Circuit Criminal Court. He admitted involvement in the incident, in which he and another man were attacked by two suspects on Grand Parade, resulting in bruising and swelling to his face and an ambulance call.

Defence barrister Elaine Audley submitted a letter of regret on Quirke’s behalf and presented €1,000 in compensation for the injured party. Judge Helen Boyle noted that Quirke’s co‑accused received a four‑month prison term and highlighted that Quirke had been cooperative and had not reoffended.

The court concluded that, while Quirke may not have initiated the confrontation, the assault was unprovoked and involved two attackers against one. Consequently, the judge imposed a four‑month suspended sentence.

Source: Irish Examiner. Photo: Craig Adderley / Pexels.