Ireland Sentencing adjourned in Dublin assault causing harm case
Brendan Courtney, a man in his 50s, was punched to the ground and kicked in the head and face by Ross Deegan, 22, and a co-accused after being beckoned to a car stopped at traffic lights at Usher's Quay, Dublin city centre, around 9.30pm on 27 February 2025. Deegan, of An Riasc, Finglas, Dublin 11, voluntarily contacted gardaí on 5 March 2025 to identify his involvement and later pleaded guilty to assault causing harm. Judge Martina Baxter directed a probation report, remanded Deegan on continuing bail, and ordered his €1,500 gesture of remorse to go to Mater Hospital. The sentencing hearing was adjourned on 21 October 2026 to 9 December 2026 to assess Deegan's suitability for community service.
- Reported28 Feb
4 reports - Arrestednot reported
- Chargednot reported
- In court1 Mar
5 reports - Verdict
- Sentenced
Key facts
consolidated from all reports- What happened
- Courtney was punched to the ground and kicked in the head and face by Deegan and a co-accused after being beckoned to a car stopped at traffic lights.
- Where
- The assault took place at Usher's Quay in Dublin city centre.
- When
- The attack occurred around 9.30pm on 27 February 2025.
- Cause
- Courtney believed the occupants were ridiculing him and the attack may have been motivated by his sexuality.
- Investigation
- Deegan voluntarily contacted gardaí on 5 March 2025 to identify his involvement in the assault.
- Charges
- Deegan pleaded guilty to assaulting Courtney causing harm on 27 February 2025.
- In court
- Judge Martina Baxter directed a probation report, remanded Deegan on continuing bail, and ordered a random urine test.
- The sentencing hearing was adjourned to 9 December 2026 to assess Deegan's suitability for community service.
- Sentence
- The court directed Deegan's €1,500 gesture of remorse to go to Mater Hospital as the victim did not wish to accept it.
- Other details
- Courtney sustained a concussion and a fracture of his eye socket and attended hospital the following day.
- Deegan has no previous convictions, completed an anger management course, and is assessed at low risk of reoffending.
- Deegan claimed self-defence, saying Courtney struck the front passenger window with his fist.
109 statements extracted from the articles
- whatThe victim was punched to the ground and kicked in the head and face. (rte.ie)
- whatThe victim was kicked in the head about five or six times. (rte.ie)
- whatThe attackers got out of a white car. (rte.ie)
- whatBrendan Courtney was attacked by three men in Dublin (dublinlive.ie)
- whatThree men pulled up in a car, jumped out, and attacked him (dublinlive.ie)
- whatHe was kicked in the head a couple of times (dublinlive.ie)
- whatHe had to attend A&E after the attack (dublinlive.ie)
- whatHe said he has a mild concussion (dublinlive.ie)
- whatAn American couple walking by came to his aid (dublinlive.ie)
- whatThe attackers jumped back in the car and drove off (dublinlive.ie)
- whatIn May 2011 he was punched in the face on George's Street in what he believed to be a homophobic attack (dublinlive.ie)
- whatCourtney was kicked in the head several times during the attack. (irishtimes.com)
- whatBrendan Courtney was reportedly attacked and punched to the ground. (extra.ie)
- whatBrendan Courtney was kicked in the face during a vicious attack. (extra.ie)
- whatBrendan Courtney opened up about a massive outpouring of love after a vicious Dublin attack. (extra.ie)
- whatA man punched broadcaster Brendan Courtney several times. (thejournal.ie)
- whatDeegan ran at the injured party and punched him, then threw two further punches to the side of his head. (thejournal.ie)
- whatThe victim sustained a concussion and a fracture of his eye socket. (thejournal.ie)
- whatCourtney was beckoned over to a car stopped at traffic lights. (irishtimes.com, dublinlive.ie)
- whatThe front passenger appeared to roll down the window and call Courtney over. (irishtimes.com)
- whatCourtney went over thinking he knew the occupants of the car. (irishtimes.com)
- whatCourtney later told gardaí he believed the occupants were ridiculing him. (irishtimes.com)
- whatCourtney turned to leave, tapping on the window as he went. (irishtimes.com)
- whatRoss Deegan, the back seat passenger, left the vehicle and assaulted Courtney. (irishtimes.com)
- whatA co-accused also assaulted Courtney, who was pinned against a wall. (irishtimes.com)
- whatDeegan got back into the car, which drove away. (irishtimes.com)
- whatA cyclist stopped and helped Courtney, who went into a nearby pub. (irishtimes.com, dublinlive.ie)
- whatNothing was said by the men during the incident and there was no suggestion the parties are known to each other. (irishtimes.com, dublinlive.ie)
- whatCourtney did not seek medical attention that night and went to hospital the following day. (irishtimes.com, dublinlive.ie)
- whatCourtney sustained a concussion and a fracture of his eye socket. (irishtimes.com, dublinlive.ie)
- whatDeegan admitted punching the injured party three or four times. (irishtimes.com)
- whatThe cyclist said in a statement there had been a knock on the front passenger window. (irishtimes.com)
- whatThe assault appears random and not premeditated. (irishtimes.com)
- whatDeegan brought €1,500 to court as a gesture of remorse. (irishtimes.com)
- whatMr Courtney was beckoned over to a car stopped at traffic lights. (rte.ie)
- whatDeegan, a back seat passenger, left the vehicle and assaulted Mr Courtney along with a co-accused. (rte.ie)
- whatMr Courtney went to hospital the following day after waking up in pain. (rte.ie)
- whatMr Courtney sustained a concussion and a fracture of his eye socket. (rte.ie)
- whatDeegan punched Courtney several times. (irishtimes.com)
- whatCCTV shows Deegan running at Courtney and punching him, then throwing two further punches to the side of his head. (irishtimes.com)
- whatDeegan was a back seat passenger in the car (dublinlive.ie)
- whatDeegan assaulted Courtney along with a co-accused (dublinlive.ie)
- whatDeegan completed an anger management course (dublinlive.ie)
- whatProbation reports were positive and Deegan was assessed at low risk of reoffending (dublinlive.ie)
- whatCCTV showed Deegan ran at Courtney, punched him, then threw two further punches to the side of his head (dublinlive.ie)
- whatThe co-accused threw a number of punches and kicked Courtney in the stomach (dublinlive.ie)
- whatGarda noticed cuts to Courtney's ear, chin and back of his neck (dublinlive.ie)
- whatDeegan claimed self-defence, saying Courtney struck the front passenger window with his fist (dublinlive.ie)
- whereThe attack happened at the junction of Usher Street and Queen Street in Dublin city. (rte.ie)
- whereThe attack was close to the victim's home in Dublin city. (rte.ie)
- whereThe assault was on Usher's Quay in Dublin 8. (rte.ie)
- whereHe was attacked near his home in the city (dublinlive.ie)
- whereThe assault took place in Dublin. (extra.ie)
- whereThe assault happened at Usher's Quay in Dublin city centre. (thejournal.ie, irishtimes.com)
- whereDeegan is from An Riasc, Finglas, Dublin 11. (irishtimes.com)
- whereThe assault occurred at Usher's Quay in Dublin city centre (dublinlive.ie)
- whenThe attack happened at around 9pm while the victim was walking home. (rte.ie)
- whenGardaí attended the scene shortly after 9.30pm. (rte.ie)
- whenThe attack occurred at around 9pm on 27 February 2025 (dublinlive.ie)
- whenThe victim was walking home along the quays around 9.30pm on 27 February 2025. (thejournal.ie)
- whenCourtney was walking home along the quays in Dublin around 9.30pm on 27 February 2025. (irishtimes.com)
- whenThe assault took place on 27 February 2025 at Usher's Quay in Dublin city centre. (rte.ie)
- whenMr Courtney was walking home along the quays around 9.30pm when the incident occurred. (rte.ie)
- whenThe assault happened on February 27th, 2025. (irishtimes.com)
- whenThe assault took place around 9.30pm on 27 February 2025 (dublinlive.ie)
- causeThe victim believes the attackers recognised him. (rte.ie)
- causeHe believed the attack was because he is gay (dublinlive.ie)
- investigationGardaí have CCTV footage and the victim was to meet them to file a report. (rte.ie)
- investigationInvestigations are ongoing. (rte.ie)
- investigationGardaí confirmed they attended the scene shortly after 9.30pm on Thursday evening and investigations are ongoing. (irishtimes.com)
- investigationDeegan contacted gardaí voluntarily on 5 March 2025 to identify his involvement in the assault. (thejournal.ie)
- investigationDeegan voluntarily contacted gardaí on 5 March 2025 to identify his involvement. (irishtimes.com)
- investigationDeegan voluntarily contacted gardaí on March 5th, 2025. (irishtimes.com)
- investigationDeegan voluntarily contacted gardai on 5 March 2025 identifying his involvement (dublinlive.ie)
- chargeDeegan came forward on a signed guilty plea to assaulting the victim causing harm on 27 February 2025. (thejournal.ie)
- chargeRoss Deegan pleaded guilty to assaulting Brendan Courtney causing harm. (rte.ie, irishtimes.com)
- courtJudge Martina Baxter directed a probation report and adjourned the case to 22 July for finalisation. (thejournal.ie)
- courtDeegan was remanded on continuing bail. (thejournal.ie)
- courtJudge Martina Baxter directed the preparation of a probation report and remanded Deegan on continuing bail. (rte.ie)
- courtThe case was adjourned in July due to the ongoing action by solicitors in relation to the criminal legal aid scheme. (rte.ie)
- courtJudge Baxter directed the €1,500 should go to Mater Hospital. (rte.ie)
- courtJudge Baxter adjourned the case to 9 December 2026 for finalisation. (rte.ie)
- courtThe court ordered a random urine test to be carried out. (rte.ie)
- courtNo victim impact statement was provided to the court. (rte.ie, irishtimes.com)
- courtJudge Baxter expressed concerns that Deegan behaved in a reprehensible fashion on the night. (rte.ie)
- courtDeegan has completed an anger management course and is assessed at low risk of reoffending. (irishtimes.com)
- courtThe court is assessing Deegan's suitability for community service. (irishtimes.com)
- courtJudge Martina Baxter adjourned the case to December 9th, 2026, for finalisation. (irishtimes.com)
- courtJudge Baxter directed the €1,500 to go to Mater Hospital (dublinlive.ie)
- courtThe case was adjourned to 9 December 2026 for finalisation (dublinlive.ie)
- courtA random urine test was ordered (dublinlive.ie)
- sentenceThe judge directed that the €1,500 remorse payment should go to the Mater hospital via gardaí. (irishtimes.com)
- otherThe man did not require immediate medical attention. (rte.ie)
- otherCourtney attended the hospital emergency department the following morning for a CAT scan. (irishtimes.com)
- otherThe victim, aged in his 50s, did not require immediate medical attention according to gardaí. (irishtimes.com)
- otherThis is the second time Courtney has been assaulted; he previously suffered a homophobic attack in Dublin in 2015. (irishtimes.com)
- otherBrendan Courtney has given details of a fracture. (extra.ie)
- otherThe headline says Brendan Courtney is looking forward to a new country escape after a brutal attack. (extra.ie)
- otherWhen interviewed by gardaí, Deegan claimed it was self-defence. (thejournal.ie, irishtimes.com)
- otherDeegan had brought €1,500 to court as a gesture of remorse. (thejournal.ie)
- otherDeegan has no previous convictions and has not come to other garda attention. (irishtimes.com, rte.ie)
- otherA man who punched Brendan Courtney turned himself in. (extra.ie)
- otherDeegan had completed an anger management course. (rte.ie)
- otherThe probation reports were positive and Deegan is assessed at low risk of reoffending. (rte.ie)
- otherThe injured party does not wish to accept the €1,500 previously brought to court by Deegan. (rte.ie)
- otherTwo letters of apology and letters of reference from family members were handed to the court. (rte.ie)
- otherDeegan earns €734 a week after tax and gives approximately €50 a week to his parents. (rte.ie)
- otherDeegan has no previous convictions. (irishtimes.com)
- otherThe injured party does not wish to accept the €1,500 brought to court (dublinlive.ie)
The reporting
newest first- 21 Oct2026Man who punched Brendan Courtney has sentence hearing adjourned
Details the adjournment of sentencing to 9 December 2026, Deegan's completed anger management course, positive probation reports, €1,500 directed to Mater Hospital, random urine test ordered, and further background on the assault including CCTV evidence and Deegan's self-defence claim.
victim, Brendan Courtney, male, irish (judged from name)Brendan Courtneyaccused, Ross Deegan, 22, male, named, irish (judged from name)Ross Deegan - 21 Oct2026Man who punched Brendan Courtney has completed anger management course, court told
Reports that Deegan completed an anger management course, is assessed at low risk of reoffending, the €1,500 compensation was directed to Mater Hospital at the victim's refusal to accept it, and the case was adjourned to 9 December 2026 for finalisation. Also details Deegan's self-defence claim, his voluntary contact with gardaí, and the judge's concerns about his conduct.
accused, Ross Deegan, 22, male, named, irish (judged from name)Ross Deeganvictim, Brendan Courtney, male, irish (judged from name)Brendan Courtneyaccused - 21 Oct2026Sentencing of man who punched Brendan Courtney adjourned
Sentencing adjourned to 9 December 2026 for community service assessment; court ordered a random urine test and directed the €1,500 gesture of remorse to Mater Hospital.
accused, Ross Deegan, 22, male, named, irish (judged from name)Ross Deeganvictim, Brendan Courtney, male, irish (judged from name)Brendan Courtney - 12 Mar2026Man who punched Brendan Courtney turned himself in
The article body is empty apart from website template code. The only usable content is the headline, which gives no date, place, or further details. No existing case mentions Brendan Courtney.
suspect, malevictim, Brendan Courtney, irish (judged from name)Brendan Courtney - 11 Mar2026Man who punched Brendan Courtney came forward to gardaí after Dublin assault, court hears
Deegan voluntarily contacted gardaí on 5 March 2025 to identify his involvement. He pleaded guilty to assault causing harm. Judge Baxter directed a probation report, remanded him on continuing bail, and ordered his €1,500 gesture of remorse be transmitted to the Mater Hospital.
victim, Brendan Courtney, male, irish (judged from name)Brendan Courtneyaccused, Ross Deegan, 22, male, named, irish (judged from name)Ross Deegan - 1 Mar2026Man who punched broadcaster Brendan Courtney to be sentenced
Reports the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court hearing: Deegan's guilty plea, his voluntary contact with gardaí, the defence and prosecution submissions, and the adjournment for a probation report to 22 July.
victim, Brendan Courtney, male, irish (judged from name)Brendan Courtneyaccused, Ross Deegan, 22, male, named, irish (judged from name)Ross Deegan - 18 May2025Brendan Courtney looking forward to new country escape after brutal attack
Only the headline is available. It refers to a brutal attack on Brendan Courtney and his plans to move to a new country. The body contains no details of the attack, suspects or court proceedings.
victim, Brendan Courtney, irish (judged from name)Brendan Courtney - 3 Apr2025Brendan Courtney opens up on 'massive outpouring of love' after vicious Dublin attack
Follow-up piece in which Brendan Courtney comments publicly on the response to the attack. The available text contains only the headline and no body.
victim, Brendan Courtney, irish (judged from name)Brendan Courtney - 1 Mar2025Brendan Courtney details fracture after being kicked in the face during vicious attack
The article gives only the headline. It reports that Brendan Courtney describes a fracture from being kicked in the face during a vicious attack. It adds no location, date, or suspect details.
victim, Brendan Courtney, irish (judged from name)Brendan Courtney - 28 Feb2025Brendan Courtney ‘attacked and punched to the ground’ in Dublin assault
The article body contains only template placeholder text. The headline confirms an assault on Brendan Courtney in Dublin in which he was attacked and punched to the ground. No suspects, times or arrests are stated.
victim, Brendan Courtney, irish (judged from name)Brendan Courtney - 28 Feb2025‘A boot right in my face’: Brendan Courtney assaulted in Dublin city
Initial report of the assault with Courtney's own account of the attack and gardaí confirmation of attendance at the scene.
victim, Brendan Courtney, 50s, male, irish (judged from name)Brendan Courtneysuspect, mid to late 20s, malesuspect, mid to late 20s, malesuspect, mid to late 20s, male - 28 Feb2025RTE star Brendan Courtney 'kicked in head' during attack in Dublin
Brendan Courtney shared details of the attack on Instagram, describing how three men in a car attacked him near his apartment in Tallaght, Dublin, on 27 February 2025. He was taken to A&E with a mild concussion and believes the attack was motivated by his sexuality.
victim, Brendan Courtney, male, irish (judged from name)Brendan Courtneysuspect, malesuspect, malesuspect, male - 28 Feb2025Brendan Courtney 'completely shaken' after Dublin assault
Adds the victim's own account of the attack on RTÉ Liveline, the garda statement on the location and timing, and that gardaí have CCTV and a report was to be filed. No arrests are reported.
victim, Brendan Courtney, 50s, male, irish (judged from name)Brendan Courtneysuspect, male