Stitches needed after unprovoked assault in Laois

A man needed stitches after being headbutted in an unprovoked attack in Laois. 

David Cleary, 32, with an address at 99 Springfield Meadows, Nenagh, Co Tipperary admitted assaulting a man on Mary Street in Durrow on August 28 last year. 

Garda Sergeant JJ Kirby said the assault occurred when the man approached the injured party in Durrow at 4.15am.

“He headbutted him in an unprovoked attack,” he explained. 

Sgt Kirby said the injured man had to get three stitches in his forehead as a result of the assault. He said the accused has 22 previous convictions. 

Solicitor Josephine Fitzpatrick said her client was pleading guilty to the assault. She said he had been getting into trouble from the age of 17 and had spent six weeks in residential care for mental health just prior to this incident. She said there was no reason for the assault. 

She said he was a qualified mechanic who worked part time. He had brought a sum of €2,000 to court. 

She said the man expressed “genuine sorrow” over the incident. He had also written a letter of apology. 

Judge Andrew Cody ordered that the €2,000 be given to the victim.

He adjourned the case back to Portlaoise District Court on November 16 for a victim impact statement and finalisation.