Offaly man who gave woman black eye and caused damage to businesses given two suspended sentences

A MAN who assaulted a woman leaving her with a black eye, had also caused damage to a number of properties in Edenderry.

On April, 25 2023, Niall Leonard 41, Downshire, Edenderry, had smashed the front door glass panel of Jade's Glam Bar, Fr Paul Murphy Street, Edenderry, causing €63 worth of damage.

On the same date he entered the Bagel Bar Edenderry, as a trespasser and committed theft.

In addition he entered Homesavers, Unit 7/8 Clonmullen Business Park, Edenderry, as a trespasser, and committed theft. He also damaged property valued at €50 in Greenwood Park, Edenderry on June 9, 2023. On June 19, 2023 he assaulted a woman causing her harm.

He had made a full admission, but no compensation had been paid to the victims.

Judge Andrew Cody said Niall Leonard had been given an opportunity to engage with the probation services but he hadn't done so.

Solicitor Patrick Martin said his client had mental health issues. His sister had passed away two and a half years ago. He was in court with his mother who will try to facilitate bringing him to Portlaoise. He said his client was on social welfare and paying compensation was out of the question. He had broken up with his girlfriend which compounded his issues. He had no previous convictions.

Judge Andrew Cody said he wasn't impressed with Mr Leonard's “road to Damascus' moment' in the last hour,'' in court. He said he had been offered several opportunities to cooperate with the probation services. He had caused €3,000 worth of damage to businesses in Edenderry.

For assault on the woman he imposed a sentence of six months suspended for two years.

For damage to the businesses he imposed three months in prison suspended for two years. Judge Cody said the defendant now has nine months hanging over him if he comes back before the court again.

He told Mr Leonard that he has a lot of growing up to do very quickly.