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. 12339Possession of a grenade · Co. Dublin · 16 Feb 2025

Teenager pleads guilty over airsoft grenade thrown in Clondalkin hotel car park

Patrick O’Brien (18) pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to possession of an airsoft grenade at the IBIS hotel in Clondalkin in February 2025. He was remanded in custody for sentence.

  1. Reportednot reported
  2. Arrestednot reported
  3. Chargednot reported
  4. In courtnot reported
  5. Convicted22 Oct
  6. Sentenced
reportedhappened, not reportedlatest stagenot yet

Key facts

consolidated from all reports
17 statements extracted from the articles
  • whatOne grenade was thrown in the direction of a man who came to investigate the initial disturbance. (thejournal.ie)
  • whereThe grenades were thrown in the underground carpark of the IBIS hotel in Clondalkin, Dublin. (thejournal.ie)
  • causeThe garda said the grenade was thrown for a bit of fun. (thejournal.ie)
  • causeO’Brien said he brought the grenades that night intending to scare his friends. (thejournal.ie)
  • weaponThe grenade was described as a CO2 grenade that simulates an explosion when activated. (thejournal.ie)
  • investigationThe bomb disposal unit later concluded the grenade was safe. (thejournal.ie)
  • investigationO’Brien was identified through CCTV footage and the registration of the car he was driving. (thejournal.ie)
  • investigationO’Brien later came to the garda station himself for questioning and made full admissions. (thejournal.ie)
  • investigationOther airsoft items were found in O’Brien’s home when gardaí searched it. (thejournal.ie)
  • chargeO’Brien pleaded guilty to possession of the grenade at the hotel on 16 February 2025. (thejournal.ie)
  • courtO’Brien has no previous convictions. (thejournal.ie)
  • courtThe judge asked whether he should imprison O’Brien 'for stupidity'. (thejournal.ie)
  • courtThe judge revoked O’Brien’s bail and remanded him in custody for sentence on Friday. (thejournal.ie)
  • otherThe man picked up the grenade, wrapped it in a tissue and took it to Clondalkin Garda Station. (thejournal.ie)
  • otherThe garda station was evacuated and surrounding roads were closed. (thejournal.ie)
  • otherThe garda agreed O’Brien has since accepted it was a stupid thing to do. (thejournal.ie)
  • otherThe grenades were bought legitimately and had been used to scare foxes. (thejournal.ie)

The reporting

newest first
  1. 22 Oct2025
    Convictedthejournal.ie, first report
    Judge considers imprisoning teenager 'for stupidity' after he threw airsoft grenade for 'fun'

    Reports the guilty plea, the judge's remarks about imprisoning him 'for stupidity', and the remand in custody for sentence on Friday.

    convicted, Patrick O'Brien, 18, male, named, irish (judged from name)Patrick O'Brienvictim, male