Man 'clocked' in Offaly pub as attacker claims he made comments about wife
A man convicted of an assault at a pub in Kinnitty must pay €1,000 to the victim, Judge Andrew Cody ruled at Tullamore District Court.
Aran Young (34), St Finnian's Park, Kinnitty admitted assaulting Jack Kinsella, causing him harm, on May 1 last at the Slieve Bloom Bar, Main Street, Kinnitty.
Sergeant Brendan Kearns said Mr Young punched and kicked the injured party several times, knocking him to the ground.
Mr Kinsella, a 22-year-old, had swelling, bruising and cuts, Sergeant Kearns told the court.
Defending solicitor Donal Farrelly said Mr Young was out that night with his wife and the younger man made comments about his wife.
Both parties had drink taken and both fell out the door and then on top of each other.
Mr Farrelly said his client had pleaded guilty even though he said his wife was being harassed but he apologised for what he had done and knew he should have walked away.
A metal fabricator at Romaquip, he had to provide for his family of five children but from his small income he had brought €400 to court.
Judge Cody said the accused would have to “do better than that”.
Sergeant Kearns said it was accepted that words were exchanged between both men and there was an element of provocation.
Judge Cody said the young man was entitled to come and go “without being clocked” but also, the other parties were entitled not to be insulted, if that is what happened.
He adjourned sentencing to February 28 next year for the payment of the further compensation.