An apprentice barber who deliberately drove his car at another man on the footpath and caused him injuries has been remanded in custody for sentence by Dublin Circuit Criminal Court.
William (Liam) Sullivan (22) of Beauvale Park, Artane was convicted by a jury of assault causing harm to Mr Derek Gibbons on July 16th, 2001 and dangerous driving on the same occasion.
The jury reached its decisions on January 29th last after a three-day trial. Sullivan had denied the charges and has been in custody since his conviction.
Judge Yvonne Murphy said Sullivan's offence was serious and noted that judging from his previous convictions for public order offences "something should have been done about him".
She remanded him further to April 29th next and ordered a probation report as to his suitability for community service.
Garda Enda Grogan told prosecuting counsel Mr Garret Orange BL that Mr Gibbons and two friends had been socialising on July 15th, including attendance at a Dublin intercounty GAA match in Croke Park.
They were walking home that night after having a meal in a local restaurant when they encountered Sullivan driving at speed in a wine-coloured car. He drew up close to the three men near the Maxol service station on Skelly's Lane.
Gda Grogan said words were exchanged and Sullivan threw a wrench from the car which struck Mr Gibbons before driving off fast in the direction of his home. Witnesses saw Sullivan turn around and drive back towards the roundabout at Artane Shopping Centre.
Sullivan drove up on the path causing one man to jump onto railings for safety, and the second man to jump out of his way onto the road but he struck Mr Gibbons who was hospitalised but had made a good recovery.
