Young man who struck Longford GAA volunteer to be assessed by Probation Services

A young man who struck a volunteer at a GAA club when asked to leave the area will be assessed by the Probation Services before his case is concluded.

Dion Higgins (19) of 2 Crois Bothair, Drumlish faced a charge that on June 11, 2022 at Longford Slashers GAA grounds he assaulted Michael Hackett.

Outlining details of the case Sergeant Enda Daly said between 5:15pm and 5:30pm on the date of the incident Longford Garda Station received a report about an assault by a number of youths at the Longford town GAA grounds.

When the officers got to the scene they met with the victim who had a lump over his eye. Mr Hackett, a volunteer at the GAA club, was marking out the pitches at the time. A number of young people were drinking in the stand of the GAA ground, when the club member approached them they were smashing glass bottles.

Mr Hackett asked them to stop and leave the area. One of the group grabbed him and another young man struck him above the eye. The young people quickly left the area after the assault.

After speaking to Mr Hackett the Gardai found the group of young people at a park bench nearby. Some were in an intoxicated condition.

Mr Hackett identified Mr Higgins as the one who struck him. The court was told the victim's injury was not “long lasting”.

Solicitor Diarmuid Quinn accepted it was “an awful incident”. Mr Quinn said his client, who had no previous convictions, was 17 at the time.

“His actions were in the spur of the moment,” the solicitor said, “he cooperated fully, making full admission and took responsibility for his actions.”

Mr Quinn said the defendant was looking for work and would appreciate an opportunity to put together €500 as a token of Mr Higgin's remorse.

In summing up the matter Judge Patricia Cronin described the incident as “an extremely serious matter”.

“We can see from the victim impact statement the consequences of the action and the impact it has had on Mr Hackett and his family,” Judge Cronin said.

Noting the defendant's young age at the time the judge ordered a probation and welfare report and remand Mr Higgins on continuing bail to May 14, 2024.

“It is essential he co-operates with the probation and welfare and attends all his appointments,” Judge Cronin concluded.

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