Dundalk man who punched a woman in the eye given suspended sentence

A 25 year old man who punched a woman in the eye after she intervened when he lunged towards her partner, was given a four month sentence at Dundalk District Court last week.

Ryan McEneaney with an address at Woodview Park, Castletown Road, Dundalk was prosecuted for assault causing harm, causing criminal damage to a car, and producing a knife in the course of the dispute on October 10th 2020.

Court Presenter Sgt. Jimmy McGovern outlined how gardaí had received a report from the occupants of a separate address at Woodview Park, that a man was causing damage to their vehicle.

He was standing outside the property with a knife and was shouting at them to come outside.

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When confronted, the defendant lunged at the woman's partner and when she stepped in front of him, the defendant struck her on the eye.

The court heard he caused €1,300 in damage to their car and the woman gave evidence she had a 'busted eye' and had bad headaches for about a week afterwards, but said she had not attended hospital, as recommended by paramedics as she had a daughter in the house.

The Defence solicitor said her client was eager to pay for the damage caused, and said his previous convictions for public order matters, unlawful possession of drugs and theft, 'speak for themselves' and added Mr. McEneaney suffered from a drug addiction in the past.

She said he had been unemployed but had recently secured a job as a trainee barista, had worked with Turas counselling service and is trying to turn his life around ahead of the birth of his first child.

Judge McKiernan said it was scandalous that the injured parties had been left out of pocket for over two years, and added this lady suffered a horrendous attack.

The solicitor stressed that her client, now that he has a figure for the damage, wants to do the right thing and "has learnt some life lessons".

However Judge McKiernan imposed a four month sentence for assault causing harm saying "these people were in their home and to be attacked and treated in this manner is unacceptable.

Judge McKiernan fixed recognizance for an appeal on his own bond of €300 and an independent surety of €1,00 with cash to be lodged.