Panic Attack Leads to Window-Smashing Incident on Dublin Train

UPDATE: A man has been cleared of criminal damage charges after a dramatic incident on a Dublin train, where he smashed windows to escape during a panic attack. Tony Joyce, aged 28, from Dundalk, was found not guilty of the charges stemming from the events on June 29 at Connolly Station.

The court heard that Joyce woke up trapped on a locked train parked in a secure yard. In a state of panic, he “freaked out,” leading to the destruction of seven carriage windows, resulting in damages of approximately €3,500. Judge Michele Finan ruled that Joyce acted out of necessity due to the overwhelming panic he experienced.

Witnesses described a busy atmosphere at the station, with crowds arriving for an event at Croke Park and a concert at the Aviva Stadium, causing significant disruptions to train services.

According to Garda Jason Walsh, security alerted him to the situation, and upon arrival, he found Joyce sitting on the ground, bloodied and distressed. Joyce recounted that he had no idea where he was after waking up and attempted to escape by punching a window. He also used an emergency shatter hammer, which is designed for such scenarios, to climb out.

The court proceedings revealed that the train’s electricity was powered off, rendering door buttons inoperable. Although Joyce had a phone, authorities noted that he appeared intoxicated and unsteady. His defense counsel argued that Joyce was suffering a panic attack triggered by a head injury and medication taken earlier.

In a crucial moment during the hearing, Judge Finan acknowledged the defense’s argument based on the Criminal Damage Act, which allows for a defense of necessity. She accepted that Joyce felt threatened and acted instinctively to escape the situation.

In an emotional testimony, Joyce explained his terrifying experience of waking up disoriented and panicked, leading to his desperate actions. The judge dismissed the case, emphasizing that Joyce had the presumption of innocence and acted under duress during a mental health crisis.

This incident raises important questions about passenger safety and mental health support on public transport. As services resume following the disruption, the focus will shift towards improving emergency protocols to prevent similar occurrences in the future.

Stay tuned for further developments on this story.