Dublin, Ireland – A Dublin barber, currently serving a sentence for a violent attack in 2022, was previously convicted for assaulting his housemate, a court heard. The earlier incident, which occurred in 2020, involved the barber violently attacking a man who had recently moved into the residence.
Craig Maples, 29, of Green Briar, Verdemont, Blanchardstown, initiated the attack after the victim, who was new to the house and unfamiliar with Maples, asked him to lower his noise late at night. The confrontation escalated quickly, resulting in Maples and two accomplices breaking down the victim’s door and assaulting him with a weapon believed to be filled with coins.
The victim suffered severe injuries, including head wounds and a fractured elbow, necessitating surgical intervention. Following the assault, the victim felt compelled to emigrate and rebuild his life overseas, eventually settling in Croatia where he purchased a home.
The court also heard about the traumatic repercussions of another assault by Maples on Austin Doherty, which occurred two years later on Main St, Mulhuddart. This brutal attack left Mr. Doherty with severe physical impairments and reliant on a wheelchair for mobility.
Prosecutor Derek Cooney detailed the night of the first assault, describing how the injured party was assaulted while asleep. The situation deteriorated rapidly after the victim asked for quiet, leading to the violent response from Maples and his unidentified associates.
Defending attorney Simon Matthews portrayed Maples as a troubled individual, grappling with a challenging upbringing and subsequent mental health and substance abuse issues. Matthews noted that Maples had witnessed his father commit a horrendous crime at a young age, which significantly impacted his psychological development.
In his early twenties, Maples opened a barbershop named Faded in Mulhuddart and was described as struggling with addiction and mental health problems. His long-term girlfriend, demonstrating her support, was present in court.
Judge Orla Crowe commented on the nature of the 2020 attack, labeling it as “brutal and unjustified” and criticizing Maples for his disproportionate reaction to a simple request for peace. She handed down a prison sentence of two years and three months, which was backdated to account for time already served and due to Maples’ current conduct in custody.
The court proceedings highlight a pattern of violent behavior by Maples, affecting multiple victims and culminating in significant legal consequences for his actions. The incidents have left lasting impacts, both on the victims involved and Maples’ own life trajectory, shaped by his personal history and choices.