Meath man (41) committed 'bizarre' unprovoked assault in private garden in Drogheda

Edward Madden pleaded guilty to assault causing harm and criminal damage after an unprovoked attack on a man standing in his own garden. The victim reported that a man entered the garden, lunged at him, and punched him on the side of the head. The attacker fled, then returned and threw a rock through a side window of the house. Gardaí who responded saw dried blood on the victim’s right ear and identified Madden, who made admissions. Madden’s solicitor said Madden had PTSD following a heart operation, had been drinking heavily, and had no recollection of what occurred. The judge adjourned the case for a probation report.

"A defence solicitor has described a serious unprovoked assault when his client attacked a man who was standing in his own garden. Edward Madden (41), St Mary's Villas, Donore, Co. Meath, pleaded guilty to assault causing harm and to criminal damage charges. Drogheda Court heard that after punching his victim the defendant fled but returned and put a rock through a window of the house."

"It was stated on behalf of Mr Madden that he had PTSD following a heart operation and on this occasion had "picked on someone". He had no recollection of what occurred. Judge Nicola Andrews put the case back to July 20 for a probation report. Court presenter Sgt John O'Hehir said the injured party reported to gardaí that on August 9, 2024, he was in the garden of his house at St Finian's Park, Drogheda, chatting with a neighbour when a man entered the garden and lunged at him before punching him on the side of the head."

"This person fled but subsequently came back and threw a rock through a side window of the house. Gardaí who responded to the incident saw that the victim had dried blood on his right ear. Edward Madden was identified and made admissions, Sgt O'Hehir added. Solicitor Paul Moore said that it was a bizarre set of facts and shameful behaviour. Mr Madden instructed that he had PTSD following a heart operation and was drinking heavily."

Read at Irish Independent