Two men jailed for role in Dublin city centre violence during which man died

Two men have received five-year prison sentences for their involvement in a night of serious violence in Dublin city center. The assaults, which took place on St. Valentine's night last year, saw multiple victims punched, kicked, and knocked unconscious on South Anne Street and surrounding lanes.

During the widespread disorder, Quham Babatunde was fatally stabbed by another individual, who is now facing murder charges in Northern Ireland. While Babatunde died that night, the court heard his death was not a direct result of the assaults perpetrated by the two men sentenced in this case.

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anyone who saw the violence would have been intimidated, adding that a man died during the incident.

John Eghomwanre, 25, pleaded guilty to two counts of assault causing harm. Faraj Odukoya, 20, admitted to three counts of assault causing harm and violent disorder. Odukoya also pleaded guilty to two counts of burglary during riots in Dublin city center in November 2023, entering Foot Locker and Lifestyle Sports stores.

Judge Martin Nolan described the violence as "serious" and "intimidating," noting that a man died during the incident. While acknowledging Odukoya's more serious behavior, the judge considered his younger age and the "opportunistic" nature of the burglaries. Both men expressed remorse for Babatunde's death. The judge expressed hope for their reform and ability to contribute to society upon release, imposing a five-year sentence on each, backdated to their custody. Two other men have already been sentenced for their roles in the violence that night.

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Hopefully, they can change and reform.