'Black eye and bruising' - Longford man pleads guilty to assault causing harm on neighbour

A Longford town man has pleaded guilty to punching his neighbour several times during a vicious assault on the victim which left him with a black eye and bruising.

Christopher Kelly (58) of Ard Na Ri, Ardnacassa, Longford admitted the violent attack on the man who sustained a black eye and bruising after the defendant 'lost his temper' on July 30, 2024.

Sergeant Enda Daly, for the State, said gardaí received a report that a man had been assaulted and they quickly made their way to the scene and spoke with two men, including the defendant.

Officers invited the men to make a statement and Mr Kelly admitted that he had 'lost his temper' struck the victim 'several times'.

READ NEXT: Longford meeting hears calls for emergency payment to be made to people with disabilities

Sgt Daly said gardaí observed CCTV footage, which corroborated that version of events, and captured the defendant striking the victim a number of times.

Sgt Daly addressed Judge Bernadette Owens and said the Director of Public Prosecutions had directed that Mr Kelly be charged with assault causing harm.

Judge Owens accepted jurisdiction, which means the case can be dealt with in the district court.

Sgt Daly stated the situation was connected to an “ongoing issue between neighbours”.

READ NEXT: Countdown to the Ploughing: Welcome to Ballymahon the cradle of Longford Ploughing

The prosecuting officer also described the injuries suffered by the victim as being a black eye and bruising to his arm and he said gardaí would need additional time to ask the victim if he wanted to make a victim impact statement outlining the affect the assault had on him.

Solicitor Frank Gearty, defending, said they had no problem with that and he indicated mitigation would be presented to Judge Owens at the next court appearance.

Judge Owens subsequently remanded Mr Kelly on bail and the adjourned the case until May 12.