The Special Criminal Court has adjourned the sentencing of a 24-year-old man who admitted stabbing a garda and attempting to set fire to Black Forge Inn, a pub owned by Conor McGregor, pending a detailed assessment of his risk and level of radicalisation.
Abdullah Khan, whose address cannot be published by court order, pleaded guilty to eight offences, including two terrorism-related charges linked to incidents in July last year. He admitted carrying out the attacks because of his support for Islamic State ideology and jihadism.
Khan admitted committing arson on 25 July by pouring petrol on the front door of the Black Forge Inn in Drimnagh and setting it alight. Four days later, he assaulted Garda Gary Lynch on Capel Street, causing injury, and attempted to assault Garda Patrick Nevin. He also faced charges for producing a knife and engaging in conduct that created a substantial risk of death or serious harm to both officers. In addition, he pleaded guilty to two counts of engaging in terrorist-linked activity on the dates of the incidents.
Presiding judge Ms Justice Karen O’Connor said the case required careful consideration, particularly given the evidence of radicalisation. She said significant post-release supervision would likely be necessary and that the court could not finalise sentencing without a comprehensive report from the probation service addressing Khan’s extremist beliefs and risk to the public.
The case will return to court on 13 July, with the aim of finalising sentencing later that month if the report is ready. However, the judge noted that the specialised nature of the report could lead to delays. She apologised to Garda Lynch, who was present in court, for not being in a position to conclude the case.
The court previously heard that Garda Lynch and Garda Nevin were on patrol near Little Britain Street when Khan approached from behind carrying a knife. He stabbed Garda Lynch in the arm while shouting before continuing to advance. The officers used batons and pepper spray, and a member of the public assisted in restraining Khan until his arrest.
During Garda interviews, Khan admitted setting fire to the Black Forge Inn days earlier, saying it was better to deal with it immediately than face consequences later. He told investigators he was angry at Conor McGregor, claiming the fighter had contributed to the growth of far-right views in Ireland. He also expressed anger at the State for permitting free speech, which he believed allowed insults against the Prophet Muhammad.
The court heard that Khan had been influenced by extremist material online from the age of 18, with his views intensifying in his early twenties. He pledged allegiance to Islamic State and said his actions were intended to make a statement about defending his religious beliefs.
Defence counsel Michael Bowman said his client had been experiencing a severe mental health crisis, which worsened after returning from a trip to Pakistan. He became socially isolated, homeless, and increasingly paranoid. Counsel said Khan now acknowledges the harm he caused and wishes to apologise.
