Dublin man jailed for attacking flower seller

A man named Alan Melia has been sentenced for assaulting a flower seller in Dublin. The incident happened in December 2020, when Melia, 31, attacked the seller at Palmerstown Cemetery. Melia was on bail at the time and has a long criminal record with 113 previous convictions. He is already serving a seven-and-a-half-year sentence for a robbery. During the attack, Melia's accomplice threatened the flower seller, asking for flowers and claiming they would rob him. After this, Melia headbutted the seller, breaking his glasses and causing a cut on his nose. The injured man needed stitches but did not break his nose. The judge noted the victim’s role in society was important and that he had been selling flowers peacefully for 40 years. Judge Orla Crowe sentenced Melia to two years in prison, which will run consecutively after his current robbery sentence ends. She mentioned the impact of the assault on the victim and highlighted that Melia's behavior was dangerous. The judge ordered Melia to remain under supervision for two years after his release. Melia's lawyer said he showed remorse and has been struggling with drug use, spending a significant amount weekly on substances. Melia’s partner and child were present in court to support him.