Panic Attack Leads to Broken Windows on Dublin Train, Man Acquitted

UPDATE: A man was acquitted of criminal damage charges after he smashed windows on a locked train at Connolly Station in Dublin during a panic attack. Tony Joyce, 28, from Dundalk, faced court on June 29, 2023, where Judge Michele Finan accepted he acted out of necessity in a terrifying situation.

Joyce woke up trapped on the train, which was parked in a secure yard, and “freaked out,” leading to him breaking seven windows, causing damages totaling €3,500. The incident unfolded on a busy day in Dublin with passengers arriving for events at Croke Park and the Aviva Stadium, disrupting services significantly.

According to Garda Jason Walsh, who responded to the scene after being alerted by station security, Joyce was found sitting on the ground with blood on his legs. He reported that Joyce was intoxicated and appeared disoriented. “He informed me that he woke up and did not know where he was, and punched a window to get it open,” Garda Walsh stated.

Joyce claimed he had suffered a head injury and had taken painkillers before boarding the train. Under cross-examination, he maintained he pressed the emergency alarm button but was unable to open the doors, which required a special technique to operate. In a moment of panic, he utilized the train’s emergency shatter hammer to escape.

The court heard there was no CCTV footage available from the incident, and the train’s electricity had been turned off, leaving Joyce unable to call for help through normal means. The defense argued that Joyce had acted out of genuine fear for his safety, citing the Criminal Damage Act which allows for a defense of necessity.

After considering the evidence, Judge Finan dismissed the case, expressing doubt over the recklessness of Joyce’s actions given his mental state. She underscored that Joyce, who maintained his presumption of innocence, had been experiencing a panic attack and felt threatened.

This case highlights the urgent need for better safety protocols to prevent such distressing incidents on trains. It raises questions about how rail systems can better accommodate passengers’ safety and mental health.

Officials are now reviewing measures to ensure such a situation does not occur again. As the community reflects on this incident, it serves as a reminder of the importance of addressing mental health crises in public spaces.

Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops.