Clare man with 'drink on board' admits 'striking' second man during altercation at pub

A young Clare man who assaulted another man at a popular pub in Limerick city is to be considered for inclusion in the Restorative Justice scheme. 

Nathan O’Shea, aged 23, of Anthony’s Lodge, Ardnacrusha, County Clare admitted striking the man at The Number Three pub on Glenworth Street on February 25, 2023.

At Limerick District Court, Judge Carol Anne Coolican heard that following the incident, the victim received medical treatment and required a number of paper stitches for cuts on his face. 

Mr O'Shea has since paid over €700 to cover the monetary loss the victim suffered as a result of the assault. 

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Solicitor Tom Kiely told the judge his client had “drink on board” and that Mr O’Shea “got embroiled in something he shouldn’t have”. He added that he is very sorry about what happened.

In reply to the submission, Judge Coolican quoted the victim impact statement which stated that Mr O’Shea “never showed any remorse” and that he did not apologise to the injured party. 

The solicitor confirmed that his client did not apologise to the victim directly as he had “not sought to interfere with the injured party”, and instead chose to “stay away”. 

Mr Kiely then reiterated his instructions that Mr O'Shea was offering a "full and wholesome apology" and regrets what happened.

The court was also told the defendant has no previous convictions, is "hard-working" and has recently taken up a new job. He has not come to the attention of gardai since.

Having considered the matter, the Judge referred Mr O’Shea to the Probation Service, who will liaise with both him and the victim to see if they would be amenable to participating in the restorative justice scheme. 

Restorative justice is when a conversation takes place between a victim, a person who has committed a crime against them, and an independent person who is trained to prepare and manage such conversations.

The matter was adjourned to next month.