Two Dublin men who assaulted a Mongolian couple, resulting in severe injuries, including the partial loss of the man’s ear, will face sentencing later this year.
Robert Costello (35), of Liberty House, Dublin 1, and Ciaran Whelan (35), of Gloucester Place, Sean McDermott Street, Dublin 1, both pleaded guilty to two counts each of assault causing harm. The assaults occurred at Findlater Place, Dublin 1, on August 9, 2016, as the Mongolian couple were returning home from an anniversary dinner.
Garda Peter Byrne told Dublin Circuit Criminal Court that Costello initiated the confrontation by verbally abusing the couple as they passed by. When the couple stopped, an altercation ensued, prompting Costello to summon Whelan, who threw a traffic cone at the pair, escalating the incident.
During the struggle, Whelan bit off approximately one-third of the male victim’s ear, and Costello attacked the female victim, pulling her by the hair, taking her handbag, and striking her with it. Emergency services arrived, taking both victims to hospital, where the male required a skin graft, and the female underwent surgery in Mongolia for a nasal fracture.
Victim impact statements described the long-term effects of the attack, with both victims experiencing trauma, fear, and anxiety. The couple subsequently returned to Mongolia.
Both defendants have numerous previous convictions. Costello, who has 29 prior convictions, was not responsible for the ear injury, the court was told, and has shown remorse. His defense highlighted a challenging upbringing and significant strides in addressing past drug addictions.
Whelan, with 33 previous convictions, admitted responsibility at the scene and presented €3,000 to the court as an expression of remorse. His defense requested additional time for Whelan to undergo a 14-week rehabilitation program and to raise more funds for compensation.
Judge Ronan Munro adjourned sentencing until June 20 to allow Whelan time to complete rehabilitation and further demonstrate remorse.
