Wednesday 28 October 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. 0097Assault causing harm · Co. Dublin · 14 Apr 2024

Dean Boland pleads guilty to assault causing harm to prison officer in Mountjoy

Dean Boland, a 38-year-old man, pleaded guilty to assault causing harm after punching prison officer Andrew Hart hard on the left side of his face, knocking him unconscious, in the medical wing of Mountjoy Prison on 14 April 2024. The officer was diagnosed with severe concussion, post-concussion syndrome and PTSD, and did not return to work for 14 months. Judge Martina Baxter adjourned the case to December for the preparation of probation, governor and medical reports along with a urine analysis. Boland, who has a diagnosis of paranoid schizophrenia and 34 previous convictions, is currently serving a six-year sentence for arson with an earliest release date in 2027.

  1. Reportednot reported
  2. Arrestednot reported
  3. Chargednot reported
  4. In court20 Oct
  5. Verdict
  6. Sentenced
reportedhappened, not reportedlatest stagenot yet

Key facts

consolidated from all reports
What happened
Boland punched prison officer Andrew Hart hard on the left side of his face, knocking him unconscious.
Where
The assault took place in the medical wing of Mountjoy Prison, Dublin.
When
The assault occurred on 14 April 2024.
Cause
The officer was diagnosed with severe concussion, post-concussion syndrome and PTSD, and did not return to work for 14 months.
Investigation
Boland declined to speak with gardaí.
Charges
Boland pleaded guilty to assault causing harm.
In court
Judge Martina Baxter adjourned the case to December for preparation of probation, governor and medical reports along with a urine analysis.
Other details
  • Boland has a diagnosis of paranoid schizophrenia, 34 previous convictions, and addiction issues to cocaine and heroin.
  • Boland is currently serving a six-year sentence for arson with an earliest release date in 2027.
  • A letter of apology was handed to the court.
  • The officer has attended over 150 medical appointments and has since moved roles within the Irish Prison Service.
20 statements extracted from the articles
  • whatBoland punched the prison officer hard on the left side of his face, knocking him unconscious. (irishmirror.ie)
  • whereThe assault took place in the medical wing of Mountjoy Prison. (irishmirror.ie)
  • whenThe assault occurred on 14 April 2024. (irishmirror.ie)
  • courtJudge Martina Baxter adjourned the case to December and directed preparation of probation, governor and medical reports along with urine analysis. (irishmirror.ie)
  • courtThe Court of Appeal quashed Boland's manslaughter conviction in October 2024 and returned the case for re-sentencing on arson and burglary. (irishmirror.ie)
  • sentenceJudge Elma Sheahan imposed a six-year sentence on the arson count in April 2025, backdated to 16 December 2022. (irishmirror.ie)
  • otherThe officer was diagnosed with severe concussion, post-concussion syndrome and PTSD. (irishmirror.ie)
  • otherThe officer did not return to work for 14 months. (irishmirror.ie)
  • otherThe officer has attended over 150 medical appointments. (irishmirror.ie)
  • otherBoland has a diagnosis of paranoid schizophrenia. (irishmirror.ie)
  • otherBoland has 34 previous convictions including burglary, attempted robbery, drugs and public order offences. (irishmirror.ie)
  • otherBoland is currently serving a six-year sentence for arson with an earliest release date in 2027. (irishmirror.ie)
  • otherBoland has addiction issues to cocaine and heroin and is currently stable on a monthly injection. (irishmirror.ie)
  • otherBoland declined to speak with gardaí. (irishmirror.ie)
  • otherA letter of apology was handed to the court. (irishmirror.ie)
  • otherBoland was handed an eight-year sentence in March 2023 for the unlawful killing of Ohari Viera, arson and burglary in August 2018. (irishmirror.ie)
  • otherBoland broke into a downstairs apartment at Oaklands Terrace, Terenure, stole a rucksack and set fire to the property. (irishmirror.ie)
  • otherOhari Viera went back into the house for an unknown reason and died. (irishmirror.ie)
  • otherThe officer has since moved roles within the Irish Prison Service. (irishmirror.ie)
  • otherThe assault affected the officer's ability to take part in marathons and other physical activities. (irishmirror.ie)

The reporting

newest first
  1. 20 Oct2026
    In courtirishmirror.ie, first report
    Arsonist who assaulted prison officer behind bars apologises

    First report of the assault causing harm charge. Details the circumstances of the punch, the victim's injuries (severe concussion, post-concussion syndrome, PTSD, 14 months off work, over 150 medical appointments), Boland's background (paranoid schizophrenia, 34 previous convictions, cocaine and heroin addiction, currently serving six-year arson sentence), and the adjournment to December for probation, governor and medical reports.

    suspect, Dean Boland, 38, male, named, irish (judged from name)Dean Bolandvictim, Andrew Hart, maleAndrew Hart