Limerick man jailed for 'unprovoked attack'

An man with a crack cocaine addiction has been sentenced for two assault offences.

Published 7th Jul 2026, 11:00 BST Judge Colin Daly detailed that the accused man has previous convictions for robbery, burglary, violent disorder and the unauthorised taking of a mechanically propelled vehicle An man with a crack cocaine addiction has been sentenced for two assault offences. Sign up to our Limerick Live newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know you can manage your profile, and explore all of the available newsletters from Limerick Live within your account.

A MAN who inflicted injury on two victims has been sentenced in Limerick Circuit Court .

Patrick Hartigan, 34, with an address at Oak Lodge Emergency Accommodation, Clare Street, Limerick , pleaded guilty to section three assault causing harm.

Judge Colin Daly summarising the facts of the case, said a man came across Mr Hartigan asleep in the back of a car at Kileely Road, Ballynanty Beg on October 2, 2025.

Mr Hartigan swung the screwdriver at the victim, causing a puncture wound which required medical treatment.

The victim also sustained a fracture to his finger from the assault.

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Judge Daly commented that Mr Hartigan was homeless and intoxicated at the time of the offence.

In a separate incident, Mr Hartigan attempted to remove a driver from a car in “an unprovoked attack” on Sexton Street on March 7, 2024

Mr Hartigan punched the victim in the face twice. The victim of the assault required medical treatment at hospital, and still suffers headaches in the aftermath of the assault.

Judge Daly detailed that Mr Hartigan has previous convictions for robbery, burglary, violent disorder and the unauthorised taking of a mechanically propelled vehicle.

The judge said that Mr Hartigan is addicted to crack cocaine and heroin, and has been liaising with treatment services in prison.

The court heard that Mr Hartigan has one son who is aged 15 months, who is an incentive for the man’s sobriety.

Judge Daly proceeded to sentence Mr Hartigan to four and a half years’ total imprisonment for the two assaults. The judge suspended the final six months of the sentence for a period of four years, on the condition that Mr Hartigan keep the peace, be of good behaviour, and co-operate with the Probation Service 12 months post release.