Longford man who hit victim with cup on dance floor has assault charge struck out
Defendant brought €5,000 with him to court as a gesture of compensation from his own savings
A man charged with committing a section 3 assault on another man at a GAA dinner dance in January of last year has had his charge struck out.
Sean Campbell (27), of Ballagh Road, Stonepark, Longford, appeared before Judge Bernadette Owens charged with the assault.
The court heard from Sergeant Mark Mahon that, at 1.30am on Sunday, January 29, 2023, there was "a dance taking place on the dance floor” at the Longford Arms Hotel.
“The injured party accidentally bumped into the accused and apologised,” said Sgt Mahon, however, the accused took issue with this and assaulted the other man.
“He hit him five or six times and at least two of those times he used a trophy to hit the injured party.”
When Gardaí arrived on the scene, they observed the injured party with a cut to the nose, a bloody left eye and dried blood on his chin.
He was taken to Midoc and then to Mullingar A&E, where he was x-rayed and received treatment for his injuries.
The accused was fully cooperative with gardaí, the court heard, and has no previous convictions.
It was accepted that there was a GAA dance taking place and that he was part of a local team that had just won the junior championship.
“The final was in late 2022 and they were celebrating with a dinner dance on January 28. Regretfully, he had a lot to drink,” said solicitor Frank Gearty.
“He’s 27 years old, single, with no children and he has no previous convictions. He’s in a very responsible job in the agricultural food sector.
“He has engaged with his doctor about alcohol. He went to a counselling session and didn’t relate to the therapist but he hasn’t drank since this incident.”
Mr Gearty pointed out that Mr Campbell had “engaged fully with the probation officer” and has reflected on his actions.
“He has brought €5,000 with him as a gesture of compensation from his own savings. He has learned a massive lesson,” said Mr Gearty.
“He was holding the cup and there was a bump. He thought it was something it wasn’t and, unfortunately, the cup connected with the victim.”
Sgt Mahon told the court that he had seen the probation report and admitted, “I don’t think I’ve ever seen such a glowing probation report.”
Judge Owens agreed, reading one particular paragraph of the report, which said Mr Campbell “did not try to minimise his behaviour or place any blame on the injured party” and that he “presented as being ashamed of his behaviour”.
She also noted the significant sum of money that was made available by the defendant.
“On the basis of what has been heard, I will strike it out, but the defendant won’t get this opportunity again.”