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The sentencing of a Pakistani man who stabbed a Garda in an unprovoked attack on Capel Street, as well as setting fire to a bar owned by Conor McGregor, has been delayed.
Abdullah Khan (24), who has an address in Dublin which cannot be published by court order, appeared before the Special Criminal Court today, before his sentencing was adjourned for a second time.
Khan previously appeared before Ms Justice Karen O’Connor on the morning of the 20th of April, when his sentencing was adjourned to allow for the preparation of a “comprehensive and structured” report, as he will “require significant post-release supervision”.
Today, the court heard that there have been difficulties with Khan’s level of engagement with those compelling the necessary reports.
Khan, who has Irish citizenship, pleaded guilty to assault causing harm to the Garda and production of a knife capable of causing serious harm, two counts of endangerment to life, as well as attempted assault of a second Garda who was present at the time.
He also pleaded guilty to setting fire to the Black Forge Inn on the 25th of July before he stabbed the Garda on the 29th of July 2025.
The non-jury panel of judges previously heard that his actions were motivated by anger over what he felt were insults to the Islamic prophet.
Khan pleaded guilty to criminal damage as well as engaging in terrorist activity related to the act of arson.
He shouted ‘Allahu Akbar’ as he stabbed the Garda with a knife in the unprovoked attack, later saying that he was loyal to the founder of the Islamic terrorist group. Abu Musab Al-Zarqaw.
Ms Justice Karen O’Connor adjourned the matter for mention until the 13th of July, when an update on the progress of the report is expected.
Also, during the hearing of the 20th of April, the court said that because Khan will “quite clearly” need “significant post-release supervision”, it was “not in a position to finalise the matter today” due to the aspects of radicalisation which became clear from the evidence.
Khan said that he was “angry” at the Irish State and that he wanted to stab a Garda. He expressed his support for the Islamic terror group, the Islamic State (IS).
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