Woman felt her face was ‘destroyed’ in attack by Laois publican’s dog 

A woman who felt her face was “destroyed” needed 30 stitches and four months off work after a dog bit her last year.

Colm Downey, 37, of Downey’s Bar, Main Street, Clonaslee previously admitted having an uncontrolled unmuzzled dog at his bar on July 22 last year. The case was adjourned so a victim impact statement could be compiled. 

Garda Sergeant JJ Kirby said the injured woman didn’t want to attend court but wanted her statement read. 

She outlined how she was kept in St James's Hospital in Dublin for six nights due to the serious injuries to her face. She initially required 30 stitches and later needed further stitches to her eye. 

In total she was off work for four and a half months. The woman has been left with some nerve damage and numbness in areas of her face. She said she “felt my face was destroyed” in the attack. 

“When I started to go out again I wore a facial mask,” she said. 

“I will undergo facial laser treatment for my scars in future,” the woman explained. 

Solicitor Josephine Fitzpatrick said her client was “extremely remorseful” and was taking the matter extremely seriously. 

“Mr Downey operates a public house and this was one of the patrons,” she said. 

She said on the night in question he had gone out to the storeroom and the dog had followed him back into the pub.

“It sat on the floor, nobody took exception to it,” said Ms Fitzpatick.

“She put her hand down towards the dog and the dog reacted in the way it did,” she said. 

Ms Fitzpatrick said her client had insurance and he had brought €5,000 to court. 

Judge Andrew Cody questioned how a man running a public house could have a Rottweiler “wandering around” the bar. 

“He didn’t have the dog wandering in the public house,” insisted Ms Fitzpatrick. 

“The dog followed him in and sat down with the party,” she said. 

Ms Fitzpatrick said the injured party was an animal lover and had petted the dog. 

“The consequences have been devastating for this lady,” said Judge Cody.

Ms Fitzpatrick said her client was remorseful and had entered an early plea. 

“He has met it every which way he can. He is insured, he has pleaded guilty at an early opportunity,” said Ms Fitzpatrick. 

Judge Cody ordered that the €5,000 be given to  the injured party “without prejudice to any civil claim” she may have. He fined the man €500 and gave him a three month sentence which he suspended for two years. 

“I am not going to restrict him from owning a dog,” Judge Cody said.