Saturday 31 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. 21110Assault causing harm · Co. Limerick · 17 Sep 2021

Woman jailed over Limerick assault that caused brain injury to man

On 17 September 2021 at Westfield Wetlands, Condell Road, Limerick, Courtney Murphy, a woman aged 18 at the time, assaulted Alan McCarthy, a man whose age is not given, and he suffered a sustained traumatic brain injury. Murphy pleaded guilty to assault causing harm, and Judge Tom O'Donnell jailed her at Limerick Circuit Court in May 2023 for five years with the final 12 months suspended, though the standfirst says four years. Darnell Price, a man aged 23, pleaded guilty to engaging in violent disorder and denied striking McCarthy, and he was remanded for sentencing at Limerick Circuit Court on July 18th.

  1. Reportednot reported
  2. Arrestednot reported
  3. Chargednot reported
  4. In courtnot reported
  5. Verdictnot reported
  6. Sentenced15 May
reportedhappened, not reportedlatest stagenot yet

Key facts

consolidated from all reports
What happened
Courtney Murphy jumped on Alan McCarthy, knocked him down, punched him repeatedly and banged his head off the ground.
Where
The assault took place at Westfield Wetlands, Condell Road, Limerick.
When
The assault took place on 17 September 2021.
Cause
Murphy told gardaí that McCarthy had grabbed her by the throat an hour earlier, while the prosecution described the attack as one-sided.
Other details
  • Doctors said McCarthy suffered a sustained traumatic brain injury.
  • A witness claimed Price punched McCarthy in the face.
  • Murphy was 18 at the time of the incident and was 20 when sentenced.
Investigation
The prosecution said the work of gardaí and paramedics probably saved McCarthy's life.
Charges
  • Courtney Murphy pleaded guilty to assault causing harm.
  • Darnell Price pleaded guilty to engaging in violent disorder and denied striking the victim.
In court
Price was remanded for sentencing at Limerick Circuit Court on July 18th.
Sentence
  • Judge Tom O'Donnell jailed Murphy for five years with the final 12 months suspended, while the standfirst reports four years.
  • The suspended portion is conditional on Murphy not reoffending for five years after release and on a one-year post-release supervision order.
13 statements extracted from the articles
  • whatMurphy jumped on Alan McCarthy, knocked him down, punched him repeatedly and banged his head off the ground. (irishtimes.com)
  • whereThe assault took place at Westfield Wetlands, Condell Road, Limerick. (irishtimes.com)
  • whenThe assault took place on 17 September 2021. (irishtimes.com)
  • causeMurphy claimed in garda interviews that McCarthy had grabbed her by the throat an hour earlier. (irishtimes.com)
  • investigationThe prosecution said the work of gardaí and paramedics probably saved McCarthy's life. (irishtimes.com)
  • chargeCourtney Murphy pleaded guilty to assault causing harm. (irishtimes.com)
  • chargeDarnell Price pleaded guilty to engaging in violent disorder and denied striking the victim. (irishtimes.com)
  • courtPrice was remanded for sentencing at Limerick Circuit Court on July 18th. (irishtimes.com)
  • sentenceThe standfirst reports Murphy was jailed for four years over the assault. (irishtimes.com)
  • sentenceJudge Tom O'Donnell jailed Murphy for five years and suspended the final 12 months. (irishtimes.com)
  • sentenceThe suspended portion is conditional on Murphy not reoffending for five years after release and following a one-year post-release supervision order. (irishtimes.com)
  • otherDoctors said McCarthy suffered a sustained traumatic brain injury. (irishtimes.com)
  • otherA witness claimed Price punched McCarthy in the face. (irishtimes.com)

The reporting

newest first
  1. 15 May2023
    Sentencedirishtimes.com, first report
    Woman (20) jailed over Limerick attack that left man with ‘life changing’ brain injury

    Reports the sentencing of Courtney Murphy and the victim's injuries. The standfirst says she was jailed for four years, but the body text says five years with the final 12 months suspended. Also reports that Darnell Price pleaded guilty to violent disorder and was remanded for sentencing on July 18th.

    convicted, Courtney Murphy, 20, female, named, irish (judged from name)Courtney Murphyvictim, Alan McCarthy, male, irish (judged from name)Alan McCarthyaccused, Darnell Price, 23, male, namedDarnell Price