Longford court hears teen was involved in 'retaliation' assault'

A teenager who assaulted another man with his uncle in what was described as a 'retaliation' attack has been directed to make a charity contribution if he wants to avoid a conviction.

Bradley O'Leary of Canal Bank, Longford pleaded guilty at the local district court to assaulting John Robertson causing him harm contrary to Section 3 of the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act.

Sergeant Mark Mahon, court presenter, said the defendant was at his home in Canal Bank in Longford when his uncle and co-accused in the matter James O'Leary came to his residence on December 9, 2022 at 3.55pm.

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Sgt Mahon said James O'Leary informed his nephew that a man they had a history with, John Robertson was walking nearby.

"Bradley O'Leary ran outside to Park Road along with his uncle James and they approached Mr Robertson who had his daughter with him at the time and they asked him for a fight.

"There was previous hostilities between both parties," he added.

Sgt Mahon said the co-accused James O'Leary appeared in Longford District Court on October 8, 2024 in relation to his role in in the incident and he was convicted.

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The court heard during a previous altercation between the males in June 2022 Bradley O'Leary received a broken tooth after an assault by Mr Robertson and this incident was described as a 'retaliation for same'.

Sgt Mahon said Mr Robertson made a statement to Garda Conor Foley about the assault.

"He was unsure who did what but it appears that Bradley O'Leary punched John Robertson a number of times causing him to receive an injury to his lip."

Sgt Mahon stated the defendant was interviewed by Gardaí and he made admissions.

Judge Bernadette Owens asked Sgt Mahon if Mr Robertson had provided a victim impact statement and the prosecuting officer said they would contact him.

Solicitor Diarmuid Quinn said his client, who was 16 years old at the time of the incident and is now just 18, cooperated with Gardaí and he entered a plea at the earliest opportunity.

"There was a bit of history here where Master O'Leary was injured and he did lose a tooth and that is not in dispute," he added.

Mr Quinn stated his client did throw a couple of punches and he certainly accepts his role in the incident.

The court heard Mr O'Leary is currently seeking employment and he is expecting a child with his partner in eight weeks.

Judge Owens said based on the defendant's young age and the fact 'other adults were involved' she was willing to give him a chance.

She adjourned the case for a review on November 4 and she indicated if Mr O'Leary is willing to make a €300 donation to Lus na Gréine she may be persuaded to leave him without a conviction.