Dublin, Ireland – Two men have been sentenced to prison for assaulting American tourists in a “cowardly, nasty, and violent” attack in Temple Bar last year. The twin brothers, aged 20, were walking home when they were punched, kicked, and robbed of their wallet and phone.
Cian Cleary, 23, of Bray, Co Wicklow, pleaded guilty to assault causing harm and robbery, while Patrick McCarthy, 28, of Crumlin, Dublin, pleaded guilty to assault causing harm to both brothers. The court heard that Cleary has 61 previous convictions, including theft and possession of knives, while McCarthy has 18 previous convictions for drugs and criminal damage.
The CCTV footage of the assault was shown in court, highlighting the severity of the violence. The brothers were initially attacked by Cleary, who punched one of them unprovoked. Later, Cleary and McCarthy, along with two other men, assaulted both brothers, punching and kicking them before stealing a wallet and phone.
Judge Elva Duffy described the assault as “cowardly, nasty, and very violent” and sentenced Cleary to three years and three months with the final nine months suspended. McCarthy was sentenced to two and a half years with the final 12 months suspended. Judge Duffy warned them that the suspended portion of the sentence would be imposed if they returned to court during the probation period.
Aidan McCarthy, Cleary’s defense attorney, revealed his client’s troubled background and history of drug use, while Keith Spencer, McCarthy’s defense attorney, mentioned his client’s educational background and career aspirations in construction.
Although no victim impact statements were presented, the judge acknowledged the emotional and physical impact the assault had on the young men. One of the brothers required a brain scan after being taken to the hospital, while the other was left sore and shaken. Overall, the court emphasized the seriousness of the crime and the need for accountability in such cases of violence.