Courts / Dublin / Report

Garda chased down knife-wielding man who threatened to 'cut up' hostel staff

Date
2022-04-29

Stage
Sentence

Primary locality
Dublin

County
Dublin

Summary

In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court hearing, 37‑year‑old Owen Dempsey, a homeless man, pleaded guilty to four counts of assault, possession of a knife and threatening to kill. The offences stem from three separate incidents on 28 August 2020. Garda Orla Cashell, patrolling Talbot Street, was alerted to a knife‑wielding man threatening staff at Isaacs Hostel. She confronted Dempsey, who refused to drop the knife and fled. After a chase, she successfully pepper‑sprayed him, subdued him, and arrested him. Earlier that day, Dempsey had entered the hostel, demanded a single room, and when denied, struck staff member Paul Fermoyle, kicked at a door and window, and threatened to kill them. He returned with a blue‑handled knife. CCTV captured the incidents. Dempsey was taken to Store Street Station, decontaminated, and examined by a doctor.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Garda chased down knife-wielding man who threatened to 'cut up' hostel staff. Charges or matters: four counts of assault, possession of a knife and threatening to kill. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

August 28, 2020 Incident
June 24 Adjournment
2022-04-29 Publication

Case subjects

Owen Dempsey

Defendant

Charges: four counts of assault, possession of a knife and threatening to kill (Admitted)

Plea: Guilty

Outcome: Judge Crowe remanded Mr Dempsey in continuing custody until June 24, when the court will have probation and medical reports before considering sentence.; Judge Crowe remanded Mr Dempsey in continuing custody until June 24, when the court will have probation and medical reports before considering sentence.