Longford man avoids conviction after paying €1,000 compensation to vcitim

A defendant who paid €1,000 compensation to an injured party avoided a conviction when he was dealt with by way of the probation act.
Conor Ganley (42) of 101 Gleann Riada, Strokestown Road, Longford was before Judge Bernadette Owens facing a charge that on April 15, 2023 Ballymahon Street, Longford he assaulted Frank McNally causing harm.

The matter arose at 4:45pm when the two parties met at a local bookies. The injured party and defendant got into an altercation and “words were exchanged”. The defendant assaulted and headbutted the other man, in the course of the assault the two men fell in through the door of a restaurant.

The injured party sustained injuries to his face and ankles. Previously the court was told the injured party did not wish to make a victim impact statement.
Solicitor John Quinn said his client “very much regretted” his behaviour and Sgt Mahon confirmed there were no issues since.

Mr Quinn said his client is a serving member of the defence forces who overreacted at the time, but has made up with the injured party.

“He is a man of impeccable character and only has two minor road traffic convictions before this,” Mr Quinn said.
Judge Owens said that based on how Mr Ganley approached the matter she would deal with it by way of Section 1.1 of the Probation Act.