Case No. 3164Manslaughter · Co. Dublin · 7 Jun 2021
Joshua Rush jailed for manslaughter of pensioner Charles McCaughley in Fairview, Dublin
Joshua Rush, 26, was sentenced to six-and-a-half years' imprisonment at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court for the manslaughter of Charles McCaughley, 69, after kicking him with an MMA-style kick at Fairview Strand, Dublin 3, on 7 June 2021, causing a fatal head injury. The final 18 months of the sentence were suspended on conditions including Probation Service supervision.
- Reportednot reported
- Arrestednot reported
- Chargednot reported
- In courtnot reported
- Verdictnot reported
- Sentenced5 May
2 reports
reportedhappened, not reportedlatest stagenot yet
Key facts
consolidated from all reports28 statements extracted from the articles
- whatWhen the witness ran to assist, McCaughley was unconscious with blood coming from his mouth. (irishmirror.ie)
- whatMcCaughley was taken to hospital by ambulance. (irishmirror.ie)
- whatRush pleaded guilty to the manslaughter of Charles McCaughley at Fairview Strand, Fairview, Dublin 3, on 7 June 2021. (irishtimes.com)
- whatThe trio left the scene and were seen entering accommodation nearby. (irishtimes.com)
- whatMcCaughley was unconscious with blood from his mouth when the witness ran to assist. (irishtimes.com)
- whatMcCaughley was taken to hospital but died on 26 June 2021. (irishtimes.com)
- whereThe incident occurred at Fairview Strand, Fairview, Dublin 3. (irishmirror.ie)
- whereRush has an address at Fairview Strand, Fairview, Dublin 3. (irishmirror.ie)
- whenThe incident occurred on 7 June 2021. (irishmirror.ie)
- whenMcCaughley died on 26 June 2021. (irishmirror.ie)
- causeThe post-mortem found the cause of death was traumatic brain injury due to a significant fall to the back of the head. (irishmirror.ie, irishtimes.com)
- investigationRush was arrested a couple of days after the assault after gardaí made enquiries at the Fairview accommodation he was seen entering. (irishmirror.ie, irishtimes.com)
- chargeJoshua Rush pleaded guilty to the manslaughter of Charles McCaughley. (irishmirror.ie)
- sentenceJudge Martina Baxter sentenced Rush to six-and-a-half years' imprisonment. (irishmirror.ie)
- sentenceThe final 18 months of the sentence were suspended on conditions including Probation Service supervision for 18 months upon release. (irishmirror.ie)
- otherThe maximum sentence for manslaughter is life imprisonment. (irishmirror.ie, irishtimes.com)
- otherRush has no previous convictions. (irishmirror.ie, irishtimes.com)
- otherRush was aged 21 at the time of the incident. (irishmirror.ie)
- otherRush has expressed genuine remorse. (irishmirror.ie)
- otherMcCaughley had one surviving sister and no wife or children. (irishmirror.ie)
- otherMcCaughley used to work as a glazier. (irishmirror.ie, irishtimes.com)
- otherRush has three young children. (irishmirror.ie)
- otherRush has a diagnosis of ADHD and mental health difficulties. (irishmirror.ie)
- otherRush is assessed at medium risk of re-offending. (irishmirror.ie)
- otherA witness account stated the victim was wearing a face mask at the time. (irishtimes.com)
- otherMitigating factors included no previous convictions, not coming to garda attention since, being aged 21 at the time, and expressing genuine remorse. (irishtimes.com)
- otherRush said he was acting in self-defence when asked about the kick, and the court heard this assertion was accepted by gardaí. (irishtimes.com)
- otherRush told gardaí he had a difficult family background and his father was physically abusive. (irishtimes.com)
The reporting
newest first- 5 May2026Man who killed pensioner in Dublin with ‘back spin kick’ jailed for five years
Sentencing hearing at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court before Judge Martina Baxter; Rush pleaded guilty and received 6½ years with 18 months suspended on probation conditions.
victim, Charles McCaughley, 69, male, irish (judged from name)Charles McCaughleyconvicted, Joshua Rush, 26, male, named, irish (judged from name)Joshua Rush - 5 May2026Man who killed pensioner with MMA-style kick learns fate
Reports the sentencing of Joshua Rush to six-and-a-half years' imprisonment (18 months suspended) for the manslaughter of Charles McCaughley, including details of the kick, the judge's reasoning, and mitigating/aggravating factors.
victim, Charles McCaughley, 69, male, irish (judged from name)Charles McCaughleyconvicted, Joshua Rush, 26, male, named, irish (judged from name)Joshua Rushsuspect, malesuspect, male