A trial date for two adolescents is set to be confirmed, following allegations of a violent assault on US visitor, Stephen Termini, in Dublin last year, which resulted in him sustaining five critical injuries. The accused, three males aged 15, 16 and 17, who are being withheld from identification due to their juvenile status, face charges of severe harm and violent disorder against the 57-year-old resident of Buffalo, New York.
At Dublin’s Children’s Court presence this week, the Gardaí submitted books of evidence to the two older defendants. Judge Paul Kelly issued the return-for-trial order, advancing their hearing to the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. The case will appear for referral on July 4th. Conditions of the 17-year-old’s bail remain stringent, while the other teenager is in remand custody.
The third defendant will receive his book of evidence later in the month. The assault on Mr. Termini, an artist and musician, occurred at the intersection of Store Street and Talbot Street in the northern city centre on July 19th, 2023 night. Previously, the Children’s Court judge had rejected the case jurisdiction, backing the Director of Public Prosecutions advice that the case should proceed to a superior court with expansive sentencing capabilities.
Garda Sergeant Godfrey noted at an initial hearing that, according to medical reports, the injuries nearly caused Mr. Termini’s demise. Medical professionals recorded five critical injuries including a brain hemorrhage, a skull fracture, severe head and brain trauma, and a fractured cheek. After spending two days on a ventilator and a fortnight in the intensive care unit, Mr. Termini was transferred back to the Mater for additional rehabilitation treatment, which he continued until late August.
The court viewed three distinct CCTV footage excerpts from the incident during the hearing. Allegedly, the now 16-year-old defendant was roaming nearby, and made contact with the other two just before 10:30 pm. They ventured to Store Street – Talbot Street junction, where a confrontation with Mr. Termini ensued as he walked past the trio. The recorded footage displayed the attack on Mr. Termini who was knocked to the ground. The CCTV coverage also showed two of the teenagers returning to Mr. Termini, who was unconscious from the attack, one of whom was seen tapping his face.
According to Gardaí’s conclusion, rather than alerting emergency services, it was a passerby who reported the incident.