County Longford man 'lost his head' and attacked fast food restaurant worker

A judge has requested a restorative justice report is compiled on a county Longford man who ‘lost his head’ and assaulted a fast food restaurant worker.

Alan Fayne (47) of Cullentra, Lanesboro pleaded guilty at Longford District Court to assault, a public order breach and criminal damage at Main Street Lanesboro on July 18 last.

Sergeant Enda Daly, court presenter said on the day in question at 7.30pm Gardaí received a report that an assault had occurred at the Village Inn in Lanesboro, county Longford.

Sgt McNulty said Gardaí arrived at the scene and they met an injured party, a fast-food outlet worker, who stated he was assaulted by a man known to him.

“He stated the defendant approached him and started verbally abusing him and calling him an a*******e.

“He then proceeded to grab him and rip his uniform shirt, throwing his uniform hat into a neighbouring yard.

“He then damaged flowerpots belonging to [the injured party] valued at €100 and he threw menus and leaflets in the fast-food restaurant across the counter.”

Sgt McNulty said the defendant was subsequently arrested by Garda Eamon Fitzpatrick, and he made admissions to all the offences.

The court heard Mr Fayne had one previous conviction.

Solicitor Frank Gearty, defending, said his client, a separated father of two, wished to publicly apologise to the victim for a ‘shameful act recited in public’ which reflects poorly on him.

“He had a misplaced sense that the matter was being managed in an incorrect way, and he regretfully lost his head.

“Words were exchanged that led to his excessive reaction, which he acknowledges.

“It was about parking in a loading bay and it was absolutely none of his business to get involved and there was no fault whatsoever directed at the injured party in this matter.”

Mr Gearty said his client is presently unemployed and he has gone through a difficult period in his life, however he has a close relationship with his sons, and he has prospects of a job in the near future.

He stated Mr Fayne’s previous conviction was an isolated incident, and he has ‘otherwise led an exemplary life’ and he had attended court with €500 in compensation for the victim.

Mr Gearty said his client comes from a highly regarded family, but he acknowledges he was drinking heavily and he is engaging with his doctor and he intends to complete an anger management course.

“He wants to understand how it could come to be that a man of virtually no previous convictions could end up in this state in Lanesboro.”
Judge Bernadette Owens directed a victim impact statement and restorative justice reports should be sought and compiled.

She indicated if he is deemed suitable she may impose 25 hours of community service and the case was then adjourned until March 25, 2026.

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