Man headbutted another man and poured drink on him in Tullamore pub

A man who assaulted another man in a pub in Tullamore came before Judge Andrew Cody at last week's district court.

On December 9, 2021, Aaron Thornton (20) of Healy Street, Tullamore was in the Harbour Bar in Tullamore when he nudged another man who in turn nudged him back. Mr Thornton pushed back the injured party, headbutted him and poured a drink on him.

The injured party received a black eye and may have a depressed fracture to his jaw with bruising, Sgt James O'Sullivan told Judge Andrew Cody.

Aaron Thornton had no previous convictions. Solicitor Aisling Maloney said Mr Thornton accepted full responsibility. But she said a commentary had been made. Judge Andrew Cody said the State had said it was a case of mistaken identity and an unprovoked attack which he said was different to having a motive.

Having consulted with her client Ms Maloney said the injured party said he didn't know Mr Thornton. But the defendant said there had been comments made previously. The defendant and the injured party worked in the same shop at one time.

However, she said the defendant was not looking to blame the injured party and had written a letter of apology. He had also

brought €500 compensation to court. Judge Cody said that wouldn't be sufficient.

Ms Maloney said the incident had been a salutary lesson for the defendant and he had taken counselling and anger management. She said Mr Thornton was not really a drinker. He had some family tragedy and that triggered him. She said he is a diligent young man and his employer speaks very highly of him.

Judge Cody said you hear too often about single blows to the head. He noted that his father was supporting him. He said he could see he had done something about his situation and was attending counselling. He is still only 20, he said.

He adjourned the case to December 21 to allow Mr Thornton to return with €2,000 compensation. If he pays over the money on that date he will adjourn the case for six months and if Mr Thornton hasn't come to Garda attention during that time he will strike out the offence.