Courts / Dublin / Report
Steroids may have contributed to man's violent behaviour, lawyers tell court
Summary
In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court hearing, Daryl Coyle, 27, pleaded guilty to assault causing harm to Brian Griffin on 16 October 2015. Coyle admitted striking Griffin with a "sucker punch" after a friend of the victim threw a drink at him. The prosecution highlighted Coyle's 34 prior convictions, including assault, violent behaviour in a police station and drug possession, describing a chaotic lifestyle of drug use and anger management issues. Defence counsel argued that a hormonal imbalance and self‑medication with steroids may have contributed to his aggression, citing the phenomenon of "roid rage." Judge Martin Nolan suspended a one‑year prison sentence, conditioning it on Coyle's good behaviour and engagement with the Probation Service, and warned that any further aggression would trigger the full sentence. The court also heard that Coyle's earlier drug use had ceased and that he was working two jobs.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Steroids may have contributed to man's violent behaviour, lawyers tell court. Charges or matters: assault causing harm to Brian Griffin at Dame Street in the city centre on October 16, 2015. Procedural stage: sentence. Findings: Convicted
When:
- October 16, 2015 Incident
- 2018-07-06 Publication
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: assault causing harm to Brian Griffin at Dame Street in the city centre on October 16, 2015 (Proven)
Plea: Guilty
Finding: Convicted
Outcome: Convicted; Judge Martin Nolan suspended a one year prison sentence on condition that Coyle be of good behaviour and engage with the Probation Service. If he re-offends it will come back to me," he said He said the if Coyle was convicted for any offences of aggression he would impose the one year sentence.
Places mentioned
Topics
Drugs Stage Sentence Violent Crime
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