The contentious ex-horse trainer, David Dunne, has been meted a 15-month jail term for the violent attack and unlawful detainment of a groom in 2021. Dunne, a 36-year-old from County Meath who is the sibling of jockey Robbie Dunne—central figure in a renowned bullying case in the UK linked to fellow jockey Bryony Frost—received his sentence at Trim Circuit Court.
Dunne acknowledged that the crimes were carried out on 15th May 2021, at his establishment when the victim was merely 18. Reports from The Racing Post reveal that the teenager was subjected to blows and kicks from Dunne, accusing the victim of missing veterinary medications and cash. The two men had an ongoing disagreement over a motorcar.
Initially, when Gardai approached Dunne, he denied assaulting the young man; however, after viewing footage of the incident recorded on his phone, he confessed. In court, Dunne’s defence lawyer expressed to Judge John Martin that his client deeply regretted losing his cool with the victim, behaving violently. He assured Dunne was filled with shame and regret for his actions, pointing out a probation report, which declared him a low risk of recommitting a crime.
However, Judge Martin characterised the offence as a premeditated, persistent onslaught from someone out of control. He also highlighted the absence of compensation offer. Dunne’s sentencing is due to commence on 22nd April.
Dunne’s record in the racing sector is far from clean, having faced a two-year suspension in 2023 due to his involvement in a case resulting in an unprecedented 12-year ban inflicted on his fellow trainer, Ronan McNally. He was penalised under regulations guarding the reputation of horse racing.
The ultimate 18 months of the suspension were deferred for two years. A spokesman from the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board confirmed that Dunne does not hold a current license from them.
In 2020, Dunne faced a four-month suspension on his training licence after a champion he mentored at Ballinrobe the previous year, Druim Samhraidh, tested positive for a performance-enhancing steroid. Dunne contested a primary €2,000 fine levied on him but the appeals board ruled that the initial penalty was not stringent enough and suspended his licence for four months.
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