Skilled craftsman jailed for a further 12 months
By Sarah-Jane Murphy
A “skilled craftsman” who is currently serving a sentence for assault causing serious harm, has been jailed for a further twelve months for his part in a four-way altercation.
Aaron Byrne (24) pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to affray at Crumlin Road, Dublin 12 on February 3rd 2014.
He was initially charged with violent disorder in relation to the incident but this was later downgraded to affray, the court heard.
Garda Paul Keville told Fiona Murphy BL, prosecuting, that Byrne and two other men chased the injured party off a number 122 Dublin Bus when it stopped on the Crumlin Road and pursued him into the forecourt of a Maxol petrol station.
The injured party then produced a knife to defend himself, the court heard.
Gda Keville said the defendant, of Kilclare Crescent, Tallaght, Dublin then threw a bag of fire logs at the injured party.
Under cross examination he agreed with Kieran Kelly BL, defending, that Byrne only had “a minimal role, and was not actively engaged in the four-way altercation”.
Mr Kelly said his client regretted his involvement and was anxious for his sentence to be finalised so that he could go to an open prison and attend a college course.
Photographs of Byrne’s woodwork were handed into the court together with testimonials.
Sentencing the defendant, Judge Melanie Greally described him as “one of a group of young men who engaged in acts of aggression and violence”.
However, she said it appeared he wasn’t to the forefront of this incident.
Judge Greally referred to the fact Byrne was currently serving an eight year sentence for assault causing serious harm, and is due for release in 2019.
His other previous convictions all relate to minor road traffic offences.
She referred to Byrne as “an exemplary prisoner and skilled craftsman” who was putting his time to good use while in custody.
“I am satisfied he has now committed to law abiding life,” she said.
Judge Greally sentenced Byrne to one year in prison, saying acts of this kind must be marked with a serious sentence.
