Man jailed for nearly six years for Dublin city‑centre stabbing

A 22‑year‑old man, Preston Fagan of Sean McDermott Street Upper, Dublin 1, has been sentenced to five years and nine months in prison for a daylight stabbing attack that left the victim with intestines protruding from his stomach.

Fagan pleaded guilty to one count of causing serious harm after he and an unidentified accomplice chased the victim on e‑scooters and attacked him with six‑inch kitchen knives in front of witnesses at Frederick Lane North on 14 May 2025, around 2.30 pm.

During the assault the accomplice accidentally stabbed Fagan in the arm and buttocks, prompting Fagan to seek medical help. Both perpetrators fled the scene, and witnesses flagged down an ambulance. Paramedics found the victim’s intestines protruding; he was taken to the Mater Hospital, underwent emergency surgery, and later lost a kidney. The victim declined to give a impact statement and did not cooperate with the Garda investigation.

Gardaí identified Fagan after the accomplice’s accidental stabbing and from CCTV footage. A search of Fagan’s home uncovered two six‑inch knives. He has been in custody since his arrest in May 2024. The DPP had recommended a 10‑15‑year term; Judge Martin Nolan imposed a headline sentence of 11 years, reduced in view of Fagan’s youth, guilty plea and lack of relevant prior offences.

Background

Defence counsel highlighted that Fagan’s mother died in a car accident when he was 14, leading to a change of address and association with “unsavoury” people. He has one previous conviction for drug possession, is now drug‑free, achieved good Leaving Cert results and had aspirations to join the Defence Forces. He expressed remorse for his actions.

Source: Dublin Gazette. Photo: Michael Arlotto / Pexels.