DUBLIN – A man involved in the violent attack on a Garda Sergeant during the Dublin riots of November 23, 2023, has been sentenced to five-and-a-half years in prison.
Thomas Fox (22), with an address at Kinlay House Hostel, Dublin, pleaded guilty to a total of six offences stemming from the night of the riots, including:
- Violent Disorder (for the attack on the Garda Sergeant).
- Burglary (from a Footlocker sports shop).
- Criminal Damage (to a bus set alight on O’Connell Bridge).
- Unlawful use of a computer (related to the livestreamed attack).
- Possession of drugs (cannabis worth €210 and crack cocaine worth €340, seized during his arrest).
The Attack and the Aftermath
The incident involving Sergeant Brendan Eddery on Burgh Quay was described as one of the “defining and most terrifying moments” of the riots. Sgt. Eddery was isolated, surrounded, abused, and violently attacked by a mob.
In court, Sgt. Eddery testified that he believed he would have been attacked on the ground if he had slipped. He praised his colleague, Garda Mark Duffy, who came to his aid, and stated he believed he would not have survived without him. Garda Duffy was also attacked, and his bike was thrown into the River Liffey. Both officers ultimately managed to escape the mob by barricading themselves inside a building.
The emotional impact of the attack was severe: the assault was livestreamed, causing Sgt. Eddery’s wife to suffer an asthma attack and his daughter to fear he had been killed. Sgt. Eddery confirmed he continues to suffer from the effects of the attack.
Detective Inspector Ken Hoare confirmed that Fox was involved in the riots for approximately four hours and, during questioning, initially denied involvement but later made derogatory and unfounded comments about migrants.
In passing sentence, Judge Martin Nolan today complimented Sgt. Eddery on his exemplary conduct during the attack and wished him well for the future.
