Cooper's attacker jailed for seven years
November 05, 2015
Dublin's Johnny Cooper at the pre-All-Ireland press night ©INPHO/Donall Farmer
The man who stabbed Dublin footballer Jonny Cooper just hours after attacking a taxi driver last year has been handed a seven-year jail sentence, with the final two years suspended.
Mark Lavelle, originally from Swinford in Co. Mayo but with an address at Basin Street, Dublin, pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court today to assault causing harm to two-time All-Ireland winning defender Cooper at around 5am on September 20 at Dorset Street Upper in Dublin.
He also admitted to the assault causing harm to Thomas Smith at Kennelsfort Road Upper in Palmerstown at around 2am on the same morning and to hijacking Mr Smith's car.
The court heard that Lavelle was on the drug crystal meth when he carried out the unprovoked attack, which left Cooper with nine stab wounds to his forehead, eyelid and neck area. The Na Fianna clubman, who spent a night in hospital, has since made a full recovery from his injuries and returned to star in Dublin's All-Ireland triumph this year.
The 32-year-old defendant had no recollection of the assault.
Tweet
