Friday 6 November 2026Compiled from published reports. Every claim links to its source.

Ireland Crime

Every case followed from the first report to the sentence, or to where the reporting stopped.

Case No. 28936Assault causing harm · Co. Dublin · 13 Mar 2020

Conviction deferred after guilty plea in Dublin hostel assault

Paul Behan, 47, punched a 52-year-old man in the head while he lay on his bed at a Simon Community hostel on Harcourt Street, Dublin, on 13 March 2020, and kicked him in the head when the victim went downstairs to report it, causing a brief loss of consciousness, bruises over the left ear, and a cut over the right eye. Behan fled before gardaí arrived and was arrested six days later by Garda Natasha Reid. He pleaded guilty to assault causing harm on 2 December 2021. Judge John Lindsay deferred conviction pending Behan paying €300 compensation to the victim in January.

  1. Reportednot reported
  2. Arrestednot reported
  3. Chargednot reported
  4. In court2 Dec
  5. Verdict
  6. Sentenced
reportedhappened, not reportedlatest stagenot yet

Key facts

consolidated from all reports
What happened
Behan punched the 52-year-old man in the head while he lay on his bed and kicked him in the head when he went downstairs to report it, causing a brief loss of consciousness, bruises over the left ear, and a cut over the right eye.
Where
The incident occurred at a Simon Community hostel on Harcourt Street, Dublin, where Behan and the victim shared a room.
When
The incident occurred on 13 March 2020.
Investigation
Behan fled before gardaí arrived and was arrested six days later by Garda Natasha Reid.
Charges
Behan pleaded guilty to assault causing harm on 2 December 2021.
In court
Judge John Lindsay deferred conviction pending Behan paying €300 compensation to the victim in January.
Other details
  • The victim did not want to provide a victim impact statement.
  • Behan had lived in England for 17 years and returned to Ireland five years ago after a relationship breakdown.
14 statements extracted from the articles
  • whatBehan punched the man as he lay on his bed and continued attacking him, resulting in a brief loss of consciousness. (irishtimes.com)
  • whatThe victim was lying on his bed when he was punched to the head. (irishtimes.com)
  • whatThe victim went downstairs to report the incident but was kicked in the head. (irishtimes.com)
  • whatThe victim had bruises over his left ear and a cut over his right eye caused by punches and kicks to the head area. (irishtimes.com)
  • whereThe incident occurred at a Simon Community hostel on Harcourt Street in Dublin. (irishtimes.com)
  • investigationBehan fled before gardaí arrived and was arrested six days later by Garda Natasha Reid. (irishtimes.com)
  • chargeBehan pleaded guilty to assault causing harm on 13 March 2020. (irishtimes.com)
  • courtJudge Lindsay said he would strike out the case if Behan brought €300 to court for the victim in January. (irishtimes.com)
  • courtOtherwise Behan will be convicted and fined on top of having to pay the compensation. (irishtimes.com)
  • otherThe victim did not want to provide a victim impact statement. (irishtimes.com)
  • otherBehan and the victim shared a tiny room at the hostel. (irishtimes.com)
  • otherBehan had worked all his adult life and was in England for 17 years. (irishtimes.com)
  • otherBehan returned to Ireland five years ago after a relationship breakdown and could not find work or somewhere to live. (irishtimes.com)
  • otherBehan has quit cannabis and is doing better now. (irishtimes.com)

The reporting

newest first
  1. 2 Dec2021
    In courtirishtimes.com, first report
    Man given time to compensate victim after hostel assault

    Court hearing at which Behan pleaded guilty and the judge deferred conviction pending payment of €300 compensation in January.

    accused, Paul Behan, 47, male, named, irish (judged from name)Paul Behanvictim, 52, male