Barman assaulted security staff at Portlaoise pub

A barman was convicted of assaulting two door staff at a pub in Portlaoise.  

Ahmed Emara, 23, of 4 Farmleigh View, Farmleigh Woods, Blanchardstown, Dublin 15 assaulted the two men at Coppers, Market Square, Portlaoise on October 2, 2021. 

Garda Sergeant JJ Kirby said both men suffered facial injuries during the incident. He said they suffered “black eyes” and one man had a “cut over his eye” as a result of the assault. The defendant had no previous convictions, he told the sitting of Portlaoise District Court. 

Defence counsel, Ciara Murphy BL, said her client is a college student who works part time as a barman. She also pointed out that her client had no previous convictions. 

The man had €1,500 compensation in court and had previously brought €500, the court was told. 

Judge Andrew Cody noted there was a positive probation report on the man but he said the attack on two men doing their jobs was unacceptable. 

He convicted the defendant and fined him €300 on each of the assaults. He fixed recognisance in case of appeal.