"Talented footballer" jailed over violent disorder at Finglas pub

A 27-year-old Dublin man has been sentenced to 16 months in prison for violent disorder at a public house in Finglas. Dean Thomas of Glenties Drive pleaded guilty to his role in the incident at the Cardiff Inn, Cardiffsbridge Road, on 19 October 2017. Dublin Circuit Criminal Court heard that Thomas kicked, punched and stomped on a man during an altercation between two groups, after the injured party arrived with associates and approached Thomas's group with a baseball bat. Judge Martin Nolan noted that while Thomas's group had acted in self-defence initially, the encounter subsequently escalated to vengeance. The court heard character references describing Thomas as a talented footballer and popular with pub staff and customers, and noted his expression of remorse. Thomas has 11 previous convictions for minor offences. Other participants in the violent disorder received sentences ranging from nine months to two and a half years.