Youth said he never felt so low following Halloween assault in Offaly

The mother of a 16 year old who was assaulted on Halloween night last year, read a victim impact statement from her son at a recent sitting of Tullamore District Court.

Michael Cornally, 51, Beechmount Park, Mucklagh, pleaded guilty to the offence which occurred on October 31 2022.

At a previous sitting, Sgt James O’Sullivan told the court that on the date in question the Gardai received a report that an assault had taken place at 6.30pm in the village and a man’s jaw had been fractured. Judge Andrew Cody asked if it was a serious fracture. Sgt O’Sullivan said it was a hairline fracture.

At the same sitting solicitor for the defendant Donal Farrelly said ''fireworks were being let off in the vicinity. And when a youth pointed a firework at my client’s daughter, my client tried to stop the firework from being fired. Nevertheless, the firework went off, narrowly missing the child and he was very annoyed to see this.''

In the victim impact statement by the injured party, he said Mr Cornally had stamped on his head. He had to attend hospital, had missed a lot of school and had bruising. He had never felt so low. He missed school trips and had lost weight. He is more cautious and has not gone back to sports. He has nose bleeds and attended a specialist in Tullamore. He is hoping to get back to himself, he said.

Judge Andrew Cody said this was a very serious assault on a child who was probably 15 at the time. He had received a fracture and his head had been stamped on by a big strong man.

He asked the mother how her son was now, and she said he has improved and has a Saturday job. He is in Transition Year in school. He is going to the gym. He is very quiet, she said.

Judge Cody remarked that it could have been worse if it was two years later and he was doing his Leaving Certificate.

He took into account that the defendant had entered an early plea and paid compensation. Michael Cornally had written a letter of apology which was handed to the woman. He also paid compensation of €1,000

Solicitor Donal Farrelly said his client knows the assault should never have happened. He suffers from ADHD and anxiety. He overreacted. He is extremely remorseful and hopes the young man will recover.

Mr Cornally had one previous conviction for a road traffic offence.

Judge Cody imposed a sentence of four months in prison but suspended it for three years on the defendant's own bond of €100. He warned Mr Cornally if he was ever back before the court on any offence he will serve the sentence.