Ireland Dundalk taxi operator seeks High Court damages over 2015 attack by neighbours
On 25 January 2015, Paul Coleman, a 60-year-old taxi and minibus operator from Fatima Park, Dundalk, Co Louth, was allegedly attacked and beaten in his home by a large group of men, including Gerard Mulligan and Stephen McMahon, after he gave evidence against a neighbour in a criminal damage case. Mulligan, who lived two doors down, was convicted following a trial in Dundalk Circuit Court and is awaiting sentence. McMahon, of Garrybawn, Tom Bellew Avenue, Dundalk, is due to stand trial on an assault charge in January. In a High Court civil action reported on 8 November 2023, judgment in default was obtained against both men, and the judge adjourned the damages decision to the end of that month.
- Reportednot reported
- Arrestednot reported
- Chargednot reported
- In courtnot reported
- Convicted8 Nov
- Sentenced
Key facts
consolidated from all reports- What happened
- A taxi and minibus operator was allegedly attacked and beaten in his home by a group of men after giving evidence against a neighbour.
- Where
- Paul Coleman, aged 60, is from Fatima Park, Dundalk, Co Louth.
- When
- A large group of men allegedly attacked the Coleman home on 25 January 2015.
- Cause
- Coleman had earlier given evidence in a criminal damage court case over a fence incident in 2013.
- Weapon
- Mulligan is alleged to have struck Coleman on the head with a machete-like metal bar.
- McMahon is alleged to have lunged at Coleman with a scaffold pole and struck him on the forehead.
- Other details
- An MRI scan reportedly showed Coleman's skull was fractured from his forehead down to his eye socket.
- Coleman was unable to work as a driver for eight weeks and still has headaches and neck pain.
- In court
- Gerard Mulligan, a coal delivery man, was convicted following a trial in Dundalk Circuit Court.
- Judgment in default has been obtained in the High Court against both Mulligan and McMahon, and the damages decision was adjourned to the end of the month.
- Coleman is claiming damages in the High Court for assault, battery, intentional trespass, and emotional stress and anxiety.
- Sentence
- Mulligan is awaiting sentencing over the incident.
- Charges
- Stephen McMahon is due to stand trial on an assault charge in January.
13 statements extracted from the articles
- whatA taxi and minibus operator was attacked and beaten in his home by a group of men after giving evidence against a neighbour. (irishtimes.com)
- wherePaul Coleman is from Fatima Park, Dundalk, Co Louth. (irishtimes.com)
- whenA large group of men attacked the Coleman home on 25 January 2015. (irishtimes.com)
- causeColeman had earlier given evidence in a criminal damage court case over a fence incident in 2013. (irishtimes.com)
- weaponMulligan allegedly struck Coleman on the head with a machete-like metal bar. (irishtimes.com)
- weaponMcMahon allegedly lunged at Coleman with a scaffold pole and struck him on the forehead. (irishtimes.com)
- chargeMcMahon is due to stand trial on an assault charge in January. (irishtimes.com)
- courtMulligan was convicted following a trial in Dundalk Circuit Court. (irishtimes.com)
- courtJudgment in default of a defence has been obtained in the High Court against both defendants. (irishtimes.com)
- courtColeman is claiming damages for assault, battery, intentional trespass and emotional stress and anxiety. (irishtimes.com)
- sentenceMulligan is awaiting sentencing over the incident. (irishtimes.com)
- otherColeman's skull was fractured from his forehead down to his eye socket, according to an MRI scan. (irishtimes.com)
- otherColeman was unable to work as a driver for eight weeks and still has headaches and neck pain. (irishtimes.com)
The reporting
newest first- 8 Nov2023Taxi driver attacked after testifying against neighbour in criminal damage case, court hears
Civil High Court hearing in which Paul Coleman seeks damages from Gerard Mulligan and Stephen McMahon. Judgment in default has been obtained against both defendants, and the judge adjourned the damages decision to the end of the month. Mulligan was convicted after a trial in Dundalk Circuit Court and is awaiting sentence. McMahon is due to stand trial on an assault charge in January.
victim, Paul Coleman, 60, male, irish (judged from name)Paul Colemanvictimconvicted, Gerard Mulligan, male, named, irish (judged from name)Gerard Mulliganaccused, Stephen McMahon, male, named, irish (judged from name)Stephen McMahon