Suspended sentence for man in the Midlands who punched work colleague

A suspended sentence was given to a man who punched his work colleague leaving him requiring stitches.  

Jamie O’Neill, 33, of 12 Bruach na Habainn, Portlaoise admitted assaulting the man at Graphic Packaging International on July 1 last year. 

Garda Sergeant JJ Kirby said the defendant has five previous convictions. 

Judge Andrew Cody noted the injured party used to be friends with the accused and required six stitches to his lip after the assault. 

He noted the victim had grown a beard and a moustache to try and cover the injury. 

“He boxed him with his fist in the mouth during work,” noted Judge Cody. 

Solicitor Philip Meagher said his client was “extremely ashamed” of what had happened. He said the incident arose as his client had finished a shift when words were exchanged. 

He said the victim may have been in a more senior position in work and the defendant took offence over some comments. 

“Mr O’Neill took it that he was accusing him of being lazy,” he explained. 

He said the defendant “totally overreacted” and struck the victim in the mouth. 

Mr Meagher said his client was “immediately sacked” and remains out of work. He said he had written a letter of apology. 

“He totally accepts full responsibility for what happened,” said Mr Meagher. 

He said despite being in receipt of social welfare, the defendant had managed to put together a sum of €500. 

Judge Andrew Cody said given the early plea of guilty and the offer of €500 in compensation, which he said should be passed on to the victim, he would impose a three month sentence which he suspended for two years.