11-06-2025
Louth man avoids jail after assault at Mexican Independence Day party
Ostap Oleksyn (34), Oaklawns, Dundalk, pleaded guilty to charges of robbery, assaulting a male causing him harm and production and possession of weapons. A charge of attempted robbery was taken into consideration.
The defendant, who has no previous convictions, compensated his victim to the tune of €5,000.
He had a kitchen knife and an imitation firearm. There was some laughter among the partygoers on production of the gun as it was perceived as not real.
On September 16, 2022, people were celebrating Mexico's National Holiday at a party in a residence in Chapel Street, Dundalk.
At 3am most had gone when Mr Oleksyn was seen in the room with what appeared to be a gun and a knife. It was relatively apparent that the gun was an imitation and there was laughter on its production.
He told everyone to empty their pockets. One man 'pushed back'. The injured party suffered cuts to his hand.
Gardaí who arrived on the scene recovered CCTV footage. The gun was described as a realistic imitation firearm.
No Victim Impact Statement was made.
The defendant was arrested in Oaklawns at 7.45am on the following September 27 and initially charged with assault causing harm when brought before the district court and granted conditional bail.
Judge Dara Hayes said that Mr Oleksyn was originally from Ukraine and in Ireland 21 years at the time. He had two children and worked in his father's shop in Dundalk. He came from a decent family.
He had addiction issues. There were clear urinalysis reports. He was assessed at moderate risk of reoffending. He had not taken 'street tablets' in close to two years.
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A probation report continued that he had a relaxed view on drugs. He had linked in with Turas Counselling Service and after inconsistent attendance had reengaged.
Judge Hayes remarked that his rehabilitation was slower that it should have been.
Two-and-a-half year sentences were imposed on each of four charges, suspended in their entirety for two-and-a-half years, on Mr Oleksyn placing himself under probation supervision for 12 months.
