Man in the Midlands who ‘lost his temper’ fined for assault on summons server

A man who assaulted another man trying to serve him with a civil summons has been fined €350 with six months to pay following a brief hearing at Longford District Court.

William Hughes (57), of Esker, Ballinalee, Co Longford, appeared before Judge Bernadette Owens last Tuesday afternoon, where he pleaded guilty to section 2 assault on January 19, 2023.

Sergeant Mark Mahon, for the state, told the court that on the date in question, at 1.40pm, the injured party alleged he was trying to serve a civil summons on the accused at Mr Hughes’ home address.

“The injured party alleges he was struck three or four times in the face. He had a bruise to his right eye,” said Sgt Mahon.

Mr Hughes has five previous convictions, he added, some of which include assaults.

Solicitor for the defence, Mr John Quinn, told the court that the summons server “wasn’t entirely welcome” at the house, and that Mr Hughes had been hit by the injured party’s car during the incident.

“The car impacted Mr Hughes to such an extent it was quite a savage injury to his knee,” said Mr Quinn.

“He was quite irate. The front of the car impacted into his foot and caused serious injury to him, so he did strike him and told him to get out of his place.

“He appreciates he shouldn’t have lost his temper. He regrets losing his temper. He came out worse in the whole scenario.”

Judge Owens noted the early guilty plea and said there is “benefit in that plea”.

“In light of what has been outlined to me, I’ll be dealing with it by way of fine only, but if he comes before me again with an assault charge, he will face a custodial sentence,” she said.

She proceeded to fine Mr Hughes €350, giving him six months to pay.