Customer who ‘slapped’ Limerick barman fined for assault
“AN EMPLOYEE is entitled to do their job without the threat of a man blowing up.”
The words of Judge Marie Keane as she fined a man for slapping a bartender at Mann's Hotel, Main Street, Rathkeale.
Patrick Kealy, aged 38, of Fairhill, Rathkeale, pleaded guilty at Kilmallock Court to assault arising from an incident on June 13, 2021.
Inspector Gearoid Thompson, prosecuting, said the injured party was working as a bar person in the Rathkeale premises.
“The defendant was asked to leave. After he refused he slapped the barman with an open hand. The defendant was ejected from the premises. A complaint was made to gardai,” said Insp Thompson, who added the injured party suffered a split lip but didn’t require medical attention.
The court heard the injured party doesn’t want to make a victim impact statement.
Insp Thompson said Mr Kealy has 12 previous convictions which include two assaults, public order, criminal damage and careless driving.
Michael O’Donnell, solicitor for Mr Kealy, said his client had buried an aunt earlier on the day.
“He had been in the bar earlier that day and returned later. He was asked to leave. Words were exchanged. He apologises,” said Mr O’Donnell, who told Judge Marie Keane his client had €1,000 for the victim as “some element of contribution”.
The solicitor said Mr Kealy “was not thinking straight” over the death of his aunt.
“He is a married man with three children. He apologises,” said Mr O’Donnell.
Judge Keane commented that Mr Kealy has a “history” in relation to assault and public order.
“This is a very serious situation. An employee is entitled to do their job without the threat of Mr Kealy blowing up,” said Judge Keane, who “noted” the compensation of €1,000.
She imposed a fine of €500.