Thursday 29 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. 10666Assault on a peace officer · Co. Dublin · 21 Sep 2023

Man sentenced over assault on gardaí at Basin Street Flats, Dublin

On 21 September 2023, after 9pm, at Basin Street Flats in Dublin, a woman sprayed a diluted, strongly corrosive bleach-like substance into the eye of garda Colin Byrne, and garda Ben Fallon was injured while arresting David Hearns, a 34-year-old man. Hearns and an accomplice had earlier stolen €400 worth of goods from Woodies DIY and fled in a stolen car that gardaí followed. Hearns pleaded guilty to two charges of assaulting a peace officer, along with theft and allowing himself to be carried in a stolen car. On 2 March 2026 he was sentenced to three years, with the final 12 months suspended, 12 months' probation supervision, and a term consecutive to a custodial sentence he was already serving.

  1. Reportednot reported
  2. Arrestednot reported
  3. Chargednot reported
  4. In courtnot reported
  5. Verdictnot reported
  6. Sentenced2 Mar
reportedhappened, not reportedlatest stagenot yet

Key facts

consolidated from all reports
When
The offences took place on 21 September 2023, after 9pm.
Where
The assault took place at Basin Street Flats, Dublin.
What happened
  • A woman sprayed a substance into the eye of garda Colin Byrne, leaving him in extreme pain and temporarily without sight.
  • Hearns and an accomplice stole €400 worth of goods from Woodies DIY and made off in a stolen car.
  • The stolen car was driven at speed into a cul-de-sac, and gardaí followed it.
  • Hearns got out of the car and tried to run when the garda car pulled up behind it, and garda Ben Fallon tackled him and they struggled on the ground.
  • Garda Fallon had pepper-sprayed Hearns with no effect, and Hearns caused Garda Fallon a muscular back injury while resisting arrest.
Weapon
The substance was a diluted, strongly corrosive bleach-like liquid in a small bottle.
Other details
  • Garda Byrne had laser eye surgery to become a garda and feared losing his sight and his job.
  • Garda Byrne underwent a painful procedure to irrigate his eye, and a nurse said the injury could have been life-altering if the substance had not been diluted as heavily.
  • The woman ran from the vehicle but got back in a short time later.
  • Hearns has 120 previous convictions.
Investigation
Emergency garda assistance arrived in under one minute, and Garda Byrne was taken to A&E.
Charges
Hearns pleaded guilty to two charges of assaulting a peace officer, and also to theft and allowing himself to be carried in a stolen car.
Sentence
Reported on 2 March 2026, Hearns was sentenced to three years with the final 12 months suspended, 12 months' probation supervision, and a term consecutive to a custodial sentence he was already serving.
20 statements extracted from the articles
  • whatA garda was left fearing loss of sight and job after a woman sprayed a corrosive substance into his eye. (gript.ie)
  • whatHearns caused a second garda a muscular back injury while resisting arrest. (gript.ie)
  • whatThe accused and an accomplice went on a theft spree at Woodies DIY, stealing €400 worth of goods before making off in a stolen car. (gript.ie)
  • whatThe stolen car was driven at speed into a cul-de-sac and gardaí followed it. (gript.ie)
  • whatHearns got out of the car and tried to run away when the garda car pulled up behind it. (gript.ie)
  • whatGarda Fallon tackled Hearns and the pair struggled on the ground. (gript.ie)
  • whatThe woman ran from the vehicle but got back in a short time later. (gript.ie)
  • whatGarda Byrne suffered immediate, extreme pain and temporary loss of sight. (gript.ie)
  • whatGarda Fallon had pepper-sprayed Hearns with no effect. (gript.ie)
  • whatEmergency garda assistance arrived in under one minute and Garda Byrne was taken to A&E. (gript.ie)
  • whereThe assault took place at Basin Street Flats, Dublin. (gript.ie)
  • whenThe offences took place on 21 September 2023, after 9pm. (gript.ie)
  • weaponThe woman sprayed a small bottle containing a diluted, strongly corrosive bleach-like substance into Garda Byrne's eye. (gript.ie)
  • chargeHearns pleaded guilty to two charges of assaulting a peace officer. (gript.ie)
  • chargeHearns also pleaded guilty to theft and allowing himself to be carried in a stolen car. (gript.ie)
  • otherHearns has 120 previous convictions. (gript.ie)
  • otherGarda Byrne underwent a painful procedure to irrigate his eye. (gript.ie)
  • otherA nurse told Garda Byrne the injury could have been life-altering if the substance had not been diluted as heavily. (gript.ie)
  • otherGarda Byrne had laser eye surgery to become a garda and feared losing his job. (gript.ie)
  • otherGarda Fallon was forced to sit out a training day and felt reluctant to stop suspects. (gript.ie)

The reporting

newest first
  1. 2 Mar2026
    Sentencedgript.ie, first report
    Garda feared for his sight after "shameful" assault - Gript

    Court report of the guilty pleas and sentence: three years with the final 12 months suspended, 12 months' probation supervision, and a consecutive term to a custodial sentence he is already serving. Also gives the garda victims' injuries and impact statements.

    convicted, David Hearns, 34, male, named, irish (judged from name)David Hearnsaccused, femalevictim, Colin Byrne, male, irish (judged from name)Colin Byrnevictim, Ben Fallon, male, irish (judged from name)Ben Fallon