Suspended sentence for assault on trans woman in Cork city

A transgender person who was attacked by a gang of three adults in the middle of the day at Skehard Rd in Cork was terrified during the violent incident and believed she was targeted.

Niamh Stewart barrister said 42-year-old Michael Keenan of 24 Mahon Crescent, Mahon, Cork, was one of three people involved in the attack but he was the only one to be brought before the court. He pleaded guilty to his part in the incident when he admitted assault causing harm to the woman.

Ms Stewart said there had been an earlier incident at Mahon Point shopping centre where there was a verbal interaction between the injured party and a child.

The barrister said: “He is extremely remorseful about what happened. He has not come to the attention of the guards since this.

“He said himself, ‘I am very sorry, it was a spur of the moment thing which will never happen again — please forgive me’.”

Judge Dermot Sheehan said the plea of guilty was to an assault causing harm to a woman at Skehard Rd outside the CSO office in Cork on February 21, 2023.

“The injured party was walking along. A female got out of the car first. She (the injured party who was walking by) was attacked by this group, it would appear from CCTV. Michael Keenan had a part in this. The gang attacked her. One of the gang had a stick. She was struck by the men and hit by the woman. She was bleeding and taken to CUH.

“The accused has significant previous convictions. He did cooperate to a certain extent. He did enter an early plea of guilty. The issue is why this occurred.

“A child was in Mahon Point shopping centre and had an interaction with the victim. There is a dispute about the interaction. It is clear the (adult parties involved in the assault) misapprehended what was going on and decided to seek vengeance against the unfortunate woman.

“No matter how upset you are, go to An Garda Síochána. This case is a prime example of what should not happen — a gang setting upon an innocent person in broad daylight in Mahon. It is outrageous behaviour. It seems to be that the actions were born out of rage.

“Physically and mentally she has suffered considerably. She says she is now recovered. Michael Keenan has paid €5,000 compensation which is a really strong indication that he is remorseful. He has apologised to the victim.

“She was clearly terrified. It is an aggravating factor that she feels targeted as a result of being transgender.”

Taking all the circumstances of the case into consideration the judge said the appropriate sentence was one of two-and-a-half years but fully suspended.