The courts have heard how Richard Bohan, a 34-year-old man living in Pimlico Cottages, ruthlessly intimidated a Ukrainian family, including their young daughter, in their newly moved-into Dublin home. On the fateful day of 19th February in South Dublin, Bohan aggressively brandished a knife that possessed a three-inch blade that could cause severe harm. His continued escalation included having hurled a bucket towards the terrorised family whilst screaming at them to vacate their house.
Judge Alan Mitchell was informed during the proceedings that as Bohan wielded his knife threateningly, he was distracted by a passer-by with a broom, enabling the distressed family and their 8-year-old daughter to quickly seek refuge within their house. Shortly after this, Bohan was apprehended by the Gardaí under the Firearms and Offensive Weapons Act.
In disturbing testimony, it emerged that the young girl, since the incidence, has been suffering from panic attacks, while her parents are financially unable to seek professional psychology services. Judge Mitchell hypothesised the possibility that the family had originally sought refuge in Ireland to escape war in Ukraine.
Despite Bohan’s lack of prior convictions or warrants, the court was told how he has remained in remand following the dreadful incident. Richard de Courcy, Bohan’s lawyer, pleaded for mercy citing his client’s borderline personality disorder, autism, and other psychiatric challenges.
Judge Mitchell made clear his distaste for the incident, influenced greatly by the involvement of a minor, and has postponed sentencing pending a detailed report on Bohan’s probation. His comments indicated a potential suspended sentence pending a vow that Bohan avoids particular individuals or specific locations.
Though Bohan might need to relocate from his local authority housing, this will only be possible when he relinquishes his existing residence. The case is yet to continue later in the month.