Suspended sentence for assault that left man unconscious at Tipperary takeaway

Nenagh Court was told that aTipperary motorist who turned back at a Garda checkpoint had no insurance

placeholder image — Nenagh Court was told that aTipperary motorist who turned back at a Garda checkpoint had no insurance

Nenagh District Court

A Nenagh man has been given a suspended sentence for assault that left a man unconscious at a takeaway in the town after a night out.

John Doyle (31) of 59 Knockanpierce, Nenagh came before Nenagh District Court charged with the assault of Johnathon Hayes and assault causing harm to Gavin Hayes on Silver Street, Nenagh on May 2, 2022.

Sergeant Regina McCarthy told the court that Johnathon Hayes was out socialising and was in the queue at the Kebab House on Silver Street when Mr Doyle pushed against him.

Mr Hayes asked Mr Doyle to stop, and the defendant punched him in the face.

The court heard that a fight broke out when the injured part attempted to defend himself.

Mr Hayes’ brother Gavin attempted to calm the situation, and the defendant punched him, knocking him unconscious. A further altercation ensued.

Gardaí attended the scene and saw the brothers injured.

Gavin Hayes received treatment at UHL for a head injury, concussion and an injury to his jaw.

The court heard that the defendant had paid €500 in compensation to each injured party.

Sgt McCarthy said that the defendant had eight previous convictions, including for assault.

REGRET

Acting for the defendant, solicitor Elizabeth McKeever told the court that her client regretted his actions.

She said since the incident, Mr Doyle had engaged with an addiction counsellor who provided a letter to the court.

She said her client had not had a drink since December 2023.

“There is a very different Mr Doyle in court today than who was out drinking that night,” said Ms McKeever.

SECOND CHANCE

Judge Fiona Brennan said the defendant “had some way to go in dealing with his addiction.”

The judge imposed a four-month prison sentence suspended for 12 months for the assault of Gavin Hayes.

In the case of the assault on Johnathon Hayes, the judge ordered the defendant under a probation bond for 18 months, provided he complies with the conditions in his probation report.

Judge Brennan granted legal aid to the defendant.