Young man accused of assault outside Longford nightclub

A young man accused of an assault outside a nightclub will have the charge against him heard in Longford District Court following a jurisdiction hearing by Judge Bernadette Owens.

Dean Donaldson (22) of Rooskey, Leitrim faces a charge of assault causing harm arising from an incident on September 18, 2022 at Eden Nightclub, Longford.

The defendant also had two road traffic matters, driving unaccompanied and non display of NCT, concluded by Judge Owens.

Outlining the details of the charges Sergeant Mark Mahon said Gardaí responded to a call regarding an alleged assault at a Nightclub in Ballymahon Street, Longford in the early hours of the morning on the date of the incident.

Although there was no CCTV footage available the officers spoke to a number of people present, including Dean Donaldson.

Sgt Mahon alleged that the defendant admitted hitting another male with a closed fist on the nose. Photographs of the injury sustained by the alleged victim were shown to the court.

Sgt Mahon said there was no medical report available, but added that the injured party has made a full recovery. The sergeant said another person involved had been issued with an adult caution.

Judge Owens accepted jurisdiction over the case.

Mr Donaldson was represented in proceedings by solicitor John Quinn. A disclosure order was issued and the defendant was remanded on continuing bail to March 12, 2024 for a plea or date hearing.

With regard to the road traffic matter Sgt Mahon told how Garda Eanna Cuff stopped the defendant on Saturday, October 15, 2022 at 12:30 on the N5 bypass. Mr Donaldson was driving a VW golf on a learner permit and was not accompanied by a driver with a full licence. Sgt Mahon said the defendant has 19 previous convictions.

Mr Quinn indicated that his client was entering a guilty plea to both of the road traffic charges. Mr Quinn said: “Dean has not driven since this incident. He has been heavily penalised for his actions. He has learned a harsh lesson and when he gets his licence back he will be fully compliant.”

After reviewing the facts of the case Judge Owens imposed a fine of €300 for the unaccompanied driver charge and took the charge of non display of an NCT into consideration.