Ross Deegan’s sentencing for assaulting Brendan Courtney adjourned for community service assessment
A Dublin court will assess whether Deegan is suitable for community service before finalising his sentence in December. His lawyer said he had completed an anger-management course.
Dublin Circuit Criminal Court adjourned Ross Deegan’s sentencing on 21 October 2026 so his suitability for community service can be assessed, The Irish Times reported. Deegan, 22, has pleaded guilty to assaulting broadcaster Brendan Courtney, causing harm, in Dublin on 27 February 2025. The decision leaves his sentence unresolved until a further hearing scheduled for 9 December.
Deegan’s defence counsel told the court he had completed an anger-management course and had been assessed as posing a low risk of reoffending, according to The Irish Times. Those matters were raised as the court considered how to sentence him; the judge had not imposed a final sentence at the hearing.
Why sentencing was adjourned again
The court had directed a probation report after hearing the case in March. A later hearing in July was disrupted by solicitors’ action over the criminal legal aid scheme, The Irish Times reported. Dublin People separately reported in July that the judge had sought an updated probation report and adjourned the case until October. The new adjournment gives the court time to assess Deegan’s suitability for community service before the case is finalised.
The court also heard that Courtney did not wish to accept €1,500 Deegan had brought to court. The judge directed that the money be given to the Mater Hospital, as Deegan had suggested, The Irish Times reported. No victim impact statement was provided to the court.
The Irish Times reported that Deegan has no previous convictions. RTÉ reported that he had not otherwise come to Garda attention. The judge ordered a random urine test after being told that Deegan did not abuse drugs or alcohol, according to RTÉ. That report was syndicated from The Irish Times.
The case is listed for finalisation on 9 December 2026. The community service assessment remains outstanding, and the court has yet to decide Deegan’s sentence.
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Sources and context
- Man who punched Brendan Courtney has completed anger management course, court toldThe Irish Times
- Sentencing of man who punched Brendan Courtney adjournedRTÉ News
- Man who assaulted Brendan Courtney has faced "social media odium," lawyer claimsDublin People
AI-assisted article checked against the listed sources. NewsJaws did not conduct interviews or attend the reported events.