Unprovoked attack on elderly man in Laois pub

A man admitted pulling another man’s ears and hair before punching him in the face during an “unprovoked attack” in a pub in Laois. 

Gerard Nevin (54) of 9 Oak Park Halting Site, Portlaoise admitted assaulting the man causing harm at Coppers pub, Market Place, Portlaoise on July 16 last. 

Garda Sergeant JJ Kirby described it as a “nasty assault” and said it occurred just after 10pm on the date in question. 

Sgt Kirby said the injured party was approached by the man who began pulling his ears and hair before punching him in the face. He described the injured party as an elderly and a vulnerable individual.

Sgt Kirby produced a medical report and pictures which he showed to Judge Andrew Cody. 

Solicitor Philip Meagher said his client was pleading guilty. He noted there was an injury to the man’s nose but said thankfully it didn’t require stitches and steri strips were used.

Sgt Kirby said the attack was “completely unprovoked”  and the injured party was a former HSE worker. “He was minding his own business,” said Sgt Kirby. 

“This man instigated this, started pulling at his ears,” he pointed out. He said the defendant had 53 previous convictions including six for assault.

Mr Meagher said his client had been out with a friend. He said he is on a lot of medication for anxiety and depression and had “over consumed” alcohol on the night. 

“It began with stupid messing, pulling at his ear lobes,” said Mr Meagher. He said his client was “extremely ashamed of himself” for his actions. 

The man brought a letter of apology and was undertaking courses in anger management, said Mr Meagher. He said he was in receipt of social welfare but had managed to bring a sum of €500 to court.  “He would also be willing to undertake community service,” said Mr Meagher. 

Judge Andrew Cody said he believed €2,500 was a more appropriate sum for compensation. He adjourned the matter back to Portlaoise District Court for payment of €2,500 and said “I will deal with it then if it is paid.”