Woman in court over ‘unprovoked’ attack on man outside popular pub in the Midlands
A woman who admitted punching a man in an ‘unprovoked’ attack in Portlaoise was told to gather more compensation.
Megan Fearon, 24, of Bavan, Omeath, Louth admitted a charge of assault causing harm at Market Square in Portlaoise on May 23, 2022.
Garda Sergeant JJ Kirby said the injured party was walking home when he spoke to a man and woman outside Coppers in Portlaoise.
The woman “pushed him and punched him in the head” and the man allegedly began jumping on his head and punching him.
Sgt Kirby said the “vicious attack” was interrupted by door staff who pulled the injured party to safety.
He said the man now suffers from headaches and with nerves and anxiety but there was no medical report available to the court. He said the defendant has no previous convictions.
Speaking of the assault by the man and woman, Sgt Kirby said, “it is agreed this lady played a lesser part.”
Solicitor Josephine Fitzpatrick said her client had brought €500 to court.
“She has travelled a distance to meet it. She has rung me every day,” said Ms Fitzpatrick.
She said the woman had been in Portlaoise to attend a concert in a local hotel. She said she had previously worked as a domestic in a hospital but was now on disability.
“She was in a relationship with another gentleman at the time. She is no longer in that relationship,” said Ms Fitzpatrick.
“This would be entirely out of character for her,” she said of the attack.
Judge Andrew Cody said it was “an unprovoked attack”on a man in his 20s. He said it left him suffering from his nerves and he won’t go up the town.
“I require €2,500 to be paid to the victim,” said Judge Cody.
After consulting with the woman’s family in the courtroom, Ms Fitzpatrick produced another €1,000. She asked for four months to gather a further €1,000 for the victim.
Judge Cody agreed and adjourned the case to November 23 for the payment of the remainder of the €2,500. He ordered the €1,500 produced in court be delivered to the victim.