Islamic jihadist sentenced to 6½ years for stabbing Garda and arson

A self‑described Islamic jihadist, Abdullah Khan, 24, has been sentenced to six‑and‑a‑half years for stabbing Garda Gary Lynch and setting fire to the Black Forge Inn, a pub owned by Conor McGregor, in July 2025.

Khan pleaded guilty to eight offences, including assault on a Garda, terrorist activity and arson. The Special Criminal Court heard he shouted “Allahu Akbar” as he attacked two Gardaí from behind on Capel Street on 29 July 2025, inflicting serious knife injuries on Garda Lynch, who remains on sick leave.

Ms Justice Karen O’Connor, presiding over the three‑judge panel, said the longest individual sentence – for the terrorist assault – was seven‑and‑a‑half years, but all sentences will run concurrently. With the term back‑dated to his custody date of 29 July 2025, the effective sentence is five years and three months, reduced further by a standard one‑quarter remission, meaning Khan is likely to serve about four years.

The judge noted the pre‑meditated nature of both the stabbing and the arson, describing the attack on a Garda as a “serious aggravating” factor. Khan will be subject to four years of post‑release supervision by the Probation Service.

Detective Inspector Gavin Ross of the Special Detective Unit identified Khan as a “Salafi jihadi” linked to a wider group of like‑minded individuals. Defence counsel Michael Bowman SC suggested Khan’s history of social isolation, depression and paranoia may have influenced his actions.

Source: Irish Examiner. Photo: Martijn Stoof / Pexels.