Dublin man jailed for violent attack in city center

A 29-year-old man, Wayne Gilligan, has been sentenced to prison for his role in a violent attack on another man in Dublin two years ago. Gilligan pleaded guilty to violent disorder linked to the incident that took place on Euston Street on May 8, 2023. During the attack, Gilligan was identified as the one who instigated violence against a victim, leading a group of six men. Witnesses reported that Gilligan punched the man multiple times, kicked him while he was down, and a third attacker allegedly hit the victim with a machete. CCTV footage of the assault was shown in court. After the attack, the group fled the scene, while the victim went to a nearby street where he met police. He was taken to the hospital with serious injuries, including deep cuts, but he later declined to cooperate with the police investigation. Gilligan, who has a long criminal history with 137 previous convictions, is currently in custody. His expected release date is in August 2027. He was the only one of the assailants to be identified, and there was no evidence that he used a weapon during the attack. The court heard from Gilligan's defense that he has been struggling with addiction issues but is working to address them while in custody. He has completed an anger management course and maintains good behavior as a prisoner. Despite the defense's request for a lighter sentence, the judge decided to impose a prison term of four years and three months, emphasizing Gilligan's leading role in the attack and noting that the reasons for the violence were unclear.