Dublin, February 15, 2025 – An American tourist who suffered a brutal assault in Dublin city centre has expressed his complete forgiveness for his attackers and revealed his decision to remain in Ireland permanently.
In an exclusive interview following the sentencing of two teenagers involved in the July 2023 attack, Buffalo, New York native Stephen Termini told the Irish Mirror:
"Yes, I forgive them. I forgave them from day one."
Despite suffering life-threatening injuries, including brain trauma and multiple fractures, Termini said he no longer dwells on the attack or those responsible. Instead, he is focused on building a future in Ireland, a country he has always felt connected to.
"I don’t think about them or what they did. I just hope I can get a better chance at living the rest of my life here, where I always felt I belong. I’m not leaving this time. I’ll just have to make do with what I’ve saved up."
Medical Recovery and Future Plans
Termini's recovery has been challenging, requiring emergency surgery and the insertion of titanium rods in his back after he suffered a seizure that exacerbated his injuries. Despite these setbacks, he remains determined to build a life in Ireland.
Currently in Westport, Co Mayo, Termini is seeking employment and hopes for the support of the Irish community.
"I am really a part of this country, but I just need a little help. I work for everything I have, and that’s all I need—work."
Sentencing of the Attackers
The attack occurred on July 19, 2023, when Termini was assaulted by a group of teenagers on Store Street, Dublin 1. The two main perpetrators, aged 14 at the time, pleaded guilty to assault causing serious harm and violent disorder and were sentenced last year.
However, due to a pending case against a third defendant, the sentences could not be reported until now. On Thursday, a 17-year-old involved in the attack pleaded guilty to a lesser charge of assault causing harm and has been remanded on continuing bail ahead of his sentencing later this month.
The Aftermath of the Attack
Termini was initially rushed to the Mater Hospital before being transferred to Beaumont Hospital, where he was placed in an induced coma for several weeks. A medical report outlined severe injuries, including:
- Bleeding on the brain
- Skull, orbital, and cheek fractures
- Emergency surgery to save his sight
- Specialist intensive care for two weeks
The court also heard that he continues to suffer from cognitive and neurological impairments due to the extent of his injuries.
Despite these hardships, Termini remains resolute in his decision to stay in Ireland.
“Is that too big a wish, or too much to ask for?” he remarked.
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