Ireland Doctor stabbed multiple times during home invasion in Castletroy, Limerick
Dean Hayes, 37, pleaded guilty at the Central Criminal Court to intentionally causing serious harm, entering a building as a trespasser, and carrying a knife after stabbing Dr Waleed Mustafa, 45, multiple times during a home invasion in Castletroy, Limerick, on 20 June 2024. The attempted murder charge was dropped and Hayes was remanded in custody for sentencing on 3 February 2026.
- Reportednot reported
- Arrestednot reported
- Chargednot reported
- In court26 Jan
- Verdict
- Sentenced
Key facts
consolidated from all reports15 statements extracted from the articles
- whatThe victim was stabbed in the chest and the assailant hit him in the left side of the chest with the knife, causing it to break. (irishtimes.com)
- whatThe victim had multiple stab wounds to the lower abdomen, upper back, neck and forehead, and the tendons in his right hand were exposed. (irishtimes.com)
- whatThe victim underwent surgery requiring a laparotomy for the stab wound to the abdomen. (irishtimes.com)
- whatThe victim realised he had two knife wounds to the head after escaping through the back door. (irishtimes.com)
- whatThe victim ran to a local Centra shop where employees called an ambulance. (irishtimes.com)
- whereThe home invasion took place at Newcastle, Dublin Road, Castletroy, Limerick. (irishtimes.com)
- whenThe incident occurred on 20 June 2024 at approximately 9pm. (irishtimes.com)
- weaponHayes was armed with a dark-handled knife with a blade of approximately 30cm. (irishtimes.com)
- chargeHayes pleaded guilty to entering a building as a trespasser and carrying a knife, and to intentionally causing serious harm. (irishtimes.com)
- chargeThe State will not be proceeding with the attempted murder charge. (irishtimes.com)
- courtMr Justice David Keane remanded Hayes in custody until 3 February 2026 for sentencing. (irishtimes.com)
- otherThe victim is originally from Sudan and came to Ireland to work as a doctor. (irishtimes.com)
- otherHayes has 129 previous convictions spanning back to 2003, including 17 for burglary, 66 for theft, two for aggravated burglary, three for robbery, two for assault causing harm and five for possession of drugs for sale or supply. (irishtimes.com)
- otherHayes has a long-term addiction to intoxicants and the offences are linked to drug use. (irishtimes.com)
- otherThe victim was diagnosed with hypertension, experiences anxiety, is hyper-vigilant and suffers from sleep disturbance since the incident. (irishtimes.com)
The reporting
newest first- 26 Jan2026Doctor stabbed multiple times during ‘vicious’ home invasion in Limerick, court told
Central Criminal Court hearing where Hayes pleaded guilty to intentionally causing serious harm, entering a building as a trespasser, and carrying a knife; the attempted murder charge was dropped; the court heard details of the attack, Hayes' 129 previous convictions and long-term drug addiction; Mr Justice David Keane remanded Hayes in custody for sentencing on 3 February 2026.
victim, Waleed Mustafa, 45, male, non-irish (judged from name)Waleed Mustafaconvicted, Dean Hayes, 37, male, named, irish (judged from name)Dean Hayes