A Wishaw man has been sentenced to 20 months in prison for an “unprovoked” attack on an innocent dog walker. Kieran O’Dwyer, 30, carried out the assault in Northmuir Drive, Wishaw, on June 4. The victim was knocked to the ground by O’Dwyer, who proceeded to punch and kick him repeatedly while he lay helpless. O’Dwyer, with a history of previous convictions, was under two bail orders at the time of the attack.
Hamilton Sheriff Court heard that the victim had simply greeted a group of men with a friendly ‘Hello guys’ as he passed by before the incident took place around 11pm. This seemingly irritated O’Dwyer, who was engaged in an argument with another individual at the time. A neighbour witnessed the attack, began recording it, and promptly contacted the police for assistance. The victim sustained facial cuts and was subsequently treated at a hospital.
During the court proceedings, a video of the attack captured by the neighbour was shown. O’Dwyer’s defence lawyer, Matthew McGovern, acknowledged his client’s remorse upon viewing the footage, attributing O’Dwyer’s behaviour to being under the influence of valium at the time. McGovern stated that O’Dwyer did not hold the victim responsible for the attack, acknowledging that it was unprovoked. O’Dwyer expressed acceptance of the consequences due to his criminal record and the severity of the assault.
Sheriff Louise Gallacher condemned O’Dwyer’s actions, describing the assault as vicious, unprovoked, and sustained, targeting an innocent member of the public simply walking his dog. She highlighted that the victim was fortunate to have not sustained life-threatening injuries. Despite considering a 30-month sentence, Sheriff Gallacher reduced the term to 20 months due to O’Dwyer’s guilty plea during the proceedings. The sentence was backdated to account for O’Dwyer’s time in custody since his arrest in June.
In conclusion, the severity of Kieran O’Dwyer’s attack on the innocent dog walker in Wishaw highlights the importance of community safety and the consequences of violent behaviour. It serves as a reminder of the need for individuals to be mindful of their actions and the impact they can have on others. Such incidents underscore the significance of upholding laws and regulations to ensure the well-being and security of all members of society.