Assault victim suffered 'traumatic' head injuries, court hears

A court heard that Alex Coughlan, 37, suffered "traumatic" head and neck injuries leading to his death after a severe assault and robbery in Blanchardstown last month. Mr. Coughlan was found unconscious on Mill Road on May 17 and died three days later in the hospital.

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Following his death, gardaí charged two boys, aged 16 and 17, with assault causing serious harm and robbing him of his bank cards and a gold ring. The younger defendant's bail application was denied by the High Court, with the judge noting the gravity of the case.

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the cause of death has been recorded as traumatic head injuries.

Garda Sergeant Emma Ryan told the court that a post-mortem confirmed the cause of death as traumatic head injuries. She described the victim's injuries, including scrapes on his knees and elbows, suggesting he was on his knees pleading with his attackers. The sergeant noted the absence of defensive wounds on the victim.

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Mr Coughlan had injuries to his neck area, scrapes to his knees and elbows, which corroborated that he was on his knees pleading with his attacker, and he had "no defensive injuries".

The court heard that the assault was sustained and footage of the incident is available. It was described as an arranged meeting that turned into a robbery and extortion attempt. Mr. Coughlan's bank cards were used in local shops shortly after the attack, and a gold ring, a gift from his father, was stolen. A file is being prepared for the Director of Public Prosecutions regarding a potentially more serious charge.

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it was a sustained assault, and footage was available.