Manager of Midlands bar headbutted during late night assault
A man who assaulted a manager of a licensed premises in the Midlands has been given the opportunity to pay €2,000 to the victim.
Derek Heffernan (44), Royal Canal Way, Cushinstown, Killucan, Co Westmeath admitted committing the assault on December 22 last at the Bridge House Hotel, Bridge Street, Tullamore.
Sergeant James O'Sullivan told Tullamore District Court that at 2.20am on December 10 last at the Bridge bar the accused headbutted a manager of the premises who was escorting him out.
The injured party received a cut to the eye which required glue and stitches. The accused man had said he was looking for his coat.
When Mr Heffernan pleaded guilty Judge Andrew Cody expressed concern about his lack of legal representation but the accused said he could not afford a solicitor.
When Judge Cody told him he may be entitled to legal aid, Mr Heffernan repeated that he did not require a solicitor.
Mr Heffernan said the assault was not something he would do. He said he was very drunk at the time and he apologised.
Sergeant O'Sullivan said the accused was very apologetic and remorseful when he was making his statement to the gardai.
Judge Cody indicated to the accused that if he paid €2,000 to the victim by July 26 next he would consider striking out the charge.
Mr Heffernan said he would not be able to pay that amount by then so Judge Cody ordered him to pay €1,000 by July 26 and he would then adjourn sentence for payment of the balance.