Threw punches at agricultural contractor in Errill

A man admitted attacking an agricultural contractor being caught behind him in traffic. 

Anthony O’Donoghue, 25, of Gortmullin, Roscrea, Co Tipperary admitted assaulting the man at Garryduff, Errill on April 16, 2020. 

Garda Sergeant JJ Kirby said the agricultural contractor was driving on a narrow road and the vehicle behind started blowing its horn. He said a hilux pulled up and the accused got out. 

“The accused shouted and threw punches at the injured party hitting him in the face,” he said. He said the man fell to the ground where he was kicked a number of times.  He said the defendant had 23 previous convictions. 

Solicitor Aonghus McCarthy said his client had been travelling with his elderly father who was in his 70s and in poor health. He claimed a dispute ensued between the father and the agricultural contractor. Mr McCarthy said this prompted his client to get involved. 

“He is looking to dispose of all matters,” said Mr McCarthy. 

“He wishes me to convey his apologies,” he said. 

Mr McCarthy said his client was serving a sentence with a release date two days before Christmas. 

“He is hoping to go home and be with his family,” he said.  

Judge Andrew Cody said the case has been ongoing for two years and five bench warrants had been issued in relation to the matter. 

He sentenced the man to two months in prison which he said would commence from the expiry of his existing sentence. 

Mr McCarthy asked that the sentence not be consecutive and suggested a suspended sentence. 

Judge Cody said the matter would have been dealt with two years earlier had the defendant turned up for court.  He fixed recognisance in case of appeal.