Courts / Dublin / Report
Former Irish footballer jailed for serious prolonged knife attack
Summary
A former Irish footballer, Eric Donnelly, aged 21, was sentenced to 20 months in prison for a prolonged knife assault on Ronan Collins. The incident occurred on 15 August 2018 after Donnelly, who had been drinking for up to five days following a breakup, met Collins at the latter's apartment in Stillorgan. Donnelly became aggressive, seized a dinner knife, and held it to Collins' throat while repeatedly punching him, breaking his nose. Collins fled, tripping and dislocating his knee, and was pursued by Donnelly who continued to punch him in front of a witness. Both suffered severe hand lacerations. Gardaí identified Donnelly via CCTV and his Instagram. Judge Martin Nolan, noting the prolonged nature of the assault, imposed the custodial sentence. Collins suffered lasting injuries requiring surgery and physiotherapy. Donnelly, who had no prior convictions, expressed remorse and acknowledged the truth of Collins' account. Eric Donnelly pleaded guilty.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Former Irish footballer jailed for serious prolonged knife attack. Charges or matters: one count of assault causing harm to Mr Collins and one count of producing a knife during a dispute at Grange apartments in Stillorgan. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- August 15, 2018 Incident
- 2019-10-30 Publication
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: one count of assault causing harm to Mr Collins and one count of producing a knife during a dispute at Grange apartments in Stillorgan (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: Some of Donnelly's family members cried in court as the sentence was handed down.
Convicted Person
Charges: one count of assault causing harm to Mr Collins and one count of producing a knife during a dispute at Grange apartments in Stillorgan (Alleged Or Contested)
Outcome: former Irish footballer who carried out a "prolonged" assault on an acquaintance and chased him with a dinner knife has been jailed for 20 months.
Places mentioned
Topics
Social Media Stage Sentence Violent Crime
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