An aggressive criminal who "bit off one man's ear" and left another with "catastrophic brain injuries" following several severe beatings has been found dead in a north Dublin house.
Andrew McDonnell from Poppintree, Ballymun who is well-known to Gardai and had just become a dad again a few weeks ago died yesterday at around lunchtime.
The 38-year-old's body was removed from the house in Ballymun with a post mortem set to take place soon to determine the cause of death.
The local coroner has been notified and Gardai told Dublin Live that they are "investigating all circumstances" surrounding his sudden and unexplained death.
Sources say McDonnell was an extremely violent thug who struggled with alcohol addiction.
He had viciously beaten two men while in his 20s in separate but equally horrific unprovoked Dublin attacks.
In 2006, he bit off part of another man's ear at a taxi rank in a one-way "savage" attack for which he later pleaded guilty to assault causing harm.
He paid the victim €10,000 in compensation saying he was extremely drunk during the attack, attending Alcoholics Anonymous a short time after it took place.
But his vicious streak reared its head again in 2013 when he battered a man into a coma at a house party leaving him with "catastrophic brain injuries".
Crazed McDonnell kicked and stamped on the victim's head in an assault that left the man no longer able to look after himself or his son and in the care of his parents.
Just over a week ago, his partner had given birth, with the notorious attacker telling family and friends "you've made me the proudest man on this earth. I will love you unconditionally and more than words can say".
His partner paid tribute to him saying: "You were so special. We loved you more than words can say, you will be missed so much. I will always love you. Sleep tight, you will never, ever be forgotten."
A close pal added: "Devastated beyond words brother. I can't believe I'm writing this, I still remember our school days. Your baby only born and now you're gone. I'm heartbroken mate, I will miss our chats and cherish our good memories. Rest peacefully."
A spokeswoman for Gardai confirmed the death to Dublin Live.
She said: "Gardaí are investigating all circumstances surrounding the unexplained death of a male, 30s, in Ballymun, Dublin on the 8 September at approximately 2:00pm."
He added: "His body was removed for post mortem and the local coroner has been notified."
