Charlie Bird attacker given four year sentence

A man who attacked RTE's chief news correspondent, Charlie Bird, at the 2006 Love Ulster Parade riot has been given a four year sentence at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court.

Graham Hanapy (aged 25) shouted "you're an orange b******" at Mr Bird before punching him and knocking him to the ground.

Mr Bird was treated in hospital for a fractured cheekbone, bruising and soft tissue damage.

Hanapy of Fortlawn Park, Blanchardstown pleaded guilty to violent disorder and assaulting Mr Bird causing him harm on O'Connell Street on February 25, 2006.

Judge Patricia Ryan imposed sentences totalling four years and suspended the final year on strict conditions.

Garda Finian Dempsey told prosecuting counsel, Mr Sean Gillane BL, he saw protesters throwing missiles at gardai in O'Connell Street with panicked members of the public running for cover and as he passed Clery's store he saw Mr Bird being chased by Hanapy and number of other men.

He saw Hanapy catch Mr Bird and strike him in the face knocking him to the ground. Hanapy then punched Mr Bird in the head as he lay on the ground before a number of people intervened and helped him to his feet.

Garda Dempsey said Hanapy came at him again but Mr Bird was able to fend him off. Mr Bird was struck in the head by another person as he was getting up but was able to run off.

Garda Dempsey said he pursued and arrested Hanapy who was intoxicated and extremely aggressive.

Mr Bird, who was not in court, told gardaí he was working in the city centre on the day and after being contacted by his supervisors made his way to O'Connell Street. He was near the GPO when he heard someone shout "Charlie Bird, you're an orange b******" before he was assaulted and knocked down.

Mr Bird met plain clothes gardai after he made his escape and was taken to hospital where he was treated for a fractured cheekbone, bruising and soft tissue damage.

Mr Bird's victim impact statement said he had been left "feeling shaken and battered" by the assault and was in shock for 36 hours afterwards. He said he continues to attend physiotherapy for back pain.

Hanapy told gardaí he had a limited recollection of events but accepted he could have committed the assault.

Garda Dempsey said he was satisfied Hanapy did not have any political agenda for his actions.

Garda Dempsey agreed with defence counsel, Ms Isobel Kennedy SC, that Hanapy had identified himself on CCTV images which showed him holding and firing various missiles at gardaí.

Ms Kennedy said Hanapy was disgusted by his actions and came from a decent hard working family. She said his seven previous convictions had been for minor offences and he had taken a large amount of alcohol and some antidepressants on the day leading to a "limited recollection" of events.

Ms Kennedy handed into court letters of apology written by Hanapy to Mr Bird and the garda public order unit which expressed his deep shame and regret.

She said he had lost his job and his relationship with his girlfriend had broken up as a result of these offences. He was now attending counselling and having treatment for his addiction issues.