Single punch nightclub assault leaves man in critical condition

An 18-year-old man appeared in court following an assault in a Bundoran nightclub which left another man unconscious and in a critical condition.

David Walsh, 7 Dartry View, Kinlough was granted bail at Donegal District Court on Monday. He is charged with assaulting Conor Gorman-Hogan and causing him harm at Paris Niteclub, Bundoran on November 27, 2022.

Garda Keelan Cawley of Ballyshannon Garda Station acknowledged that the defendant had made a full admission following his arrest, and had identified himself from CCTV. However, gardaí objected to bail on the basis of flight risk and proximity to witnesses. 

Outlining the seriousness of the injuries, Garda Cawley said: “It was one punch to the face. As a result the injured part went unconscious and was taken by ambulance to Sligo University Hospital. 

“He was transferred to Beaumont Hospital where he had lifesaving emergency surgery. He remains in ICU in a critical condition with severe head injuries.”

Defence solicitor Gerry McGovern said it was an unfortunate situation, but he stressed that his client had been fully cooperative, had admitted the offence and was a native of the area. 

“I would say in this case that I hope the young man improves that has the injury,” said the solicitor.

“These things happen and it is something that this man shouldn’t be denied bail on.

“Conditions can be put into the bail bond. He has a long road ahead of him.”

He said a text message which gave rise to the garda objection to bail had been taken out of context.

“This young man is not that foolish that he is going to leave this jurisdiction,” said Mr McGovern.

“It is one of those unfortunate one-punch incidents that can lead to a lot of damage.”

Judge Sandra Murphy acknowledged that the defendant had no previous convictions and had never come to the attention of the court before. 

“I think if this young man runs he will be extremely foolish,” said the judge. 

“In the circumstances I am satisfied that there are conditions that we can put in place that will alleviate the state prosecution.”

Walsh was released on bail on his own bond of €3,000 cash on the following conditions: that he not to commit any offence and to be of good behaviour; reside at his home address and to notify gardaí immediately if there is a change of address; sign on twice a week at Ballyshannon Garda Station; observe a curfew from 11pm to 8am and be available to An Garda Síochana at those times; have no contact in any way, electronic or otherwise, with any witness of the prosecution, including by social media or fake social media accounts; surrender his passport to gardaí and not apply for a replacement passport or other travel documents; remain alcohol and drug free and be of sober habits.

The case was adjourned to February 1, 2023 for DPP directions.