Teenager faces trial on inciting hatred charge over suspected homophobic assault on Dublin Bus in Templeogue
A 26-year-old man, Mark Sheehan, suffered facial injuries in a suspected homophobic assault on a Dublin Bus in the Templeogue area of south Dublin at about 4am on 18 August 2022. The 19-year-old male suspect, who cannot be named, was charged with assault causing harm and inciting hatred. He failed to appear at court in February 2023 after leaving the country and was located in April 2025. In July 2025, Judge Áine Clancy at Dublin Children's Court granted a return for trial order sending the case to Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, where it will be listed for mention on 17 October.
- Reportednot reported
- Arrestednot reported
- Chargednot reported
- In court30 Jul
- Verdict
- Sentenced
Key facts
consolidated from all reports- What happened
- Mark Sheehan, 26, suffered facial injuries in a suspected homophobic assault.
- Where
- The incident took place on the upper deck of a number 15 Dublin Bus in the Templeogue area of south Dublin.
- Mr Sheehan had been socialising at The George nightclub on Dame Street before the incident.
- When
- The incident occurred at about 4am on 18 August 2022.
- Investigation
- Mr Sheehan was taken to Tallaght University Hospital for treatment.
- Charges
- The 19-year-old male suspect was charged with assault causing harm and inciting hatred.
- In court
- In February 2023 the suspect failed to appear at court, having left the country.
- In July 2025 Judge Áine Clancy at Dublin Children's Court granted a return for trial order sending the case to Dublin Circuit Criminal Court.
- The case will be listed for mention on 17 October, and the court granted the suspect legal aid and directed that an interpreter be made available.
- Other details
- The suspect was located in April 2025.
- The suspect cannot be named because the incident occurred when he was a minor and he has yet to enter a plea.
13 statements extracted from the articles
- whatMark Sheehan, 26, suffered facial injuries in the incident. (irishtimes.com)
- whereThe incident took place on a Dublin Bus in the Templeogue area of south Dublin. (irishtimes.com)
- whereThe assault occurred on the upper deck of the number 15 bus near Templeogue. (irishtimes.com)
- whereMr Sheehan had been socialising at The George nightclub on Dame Street before the incident. (irishtimes.com)
- whereMr Sheehan was taken to Tallaght University Hospital for treatment. (irishtimes.com)
- whenThe incident occurred at about 4am on 18 August 2022. (irishtimes.com)
- chargeThe suspect was charged with assault causing harm. (irishtimes.com)
- courtJudge Áine Clancy granted a return for trial order sending the case to Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. (irishtimes.com)
- courtThe case will be listed for mention on 17 October. (irishtimes.com)
- courtThe court granted the suspect legal aid and directed that an interpreter be made available. (irishtimes.com)
- courtIn February 2023 the suspect failed to appear at court, which heard he had left the country. (irishtimes.com)
- otherThe suspect was located in April 2025. (irishtimes.com)
- otherThe suspect cannot be named because the incident occurred when he was a minor and he has yet to enter a plea. (irishtimes.com)
The reporting
newest first- 30 Jul2025Teenager (19) faces trial on inciting hatred charge over suspected homophobic assault
Reports that the 19-year-old suspect has been sent forward for trial at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. Details the history of the case including the suspect's failure to appear in 2023, his location in April 2025, and the additional incitement to hatred charge.
victim, Mark Sheehan, 26, male, irish (judged from name)Mark Sheehansuspect, 19, male