A man has been charged with assault causing harm following what is described as an unprovoked assault on the streets of Athlone.
It is alleged that Paddy Stokes (23 ) of St Patrick’s Terrace, Ballyforan, Roscommon a father of four attacked a young man on Gleeson Street, Athlone as he walked home from work.
Outlining the alleged facts in the case, Inspector Jarlath Folan said the victim was passing the Sheraton Hotel when a man believed to be Stokes questioned him about local hotels before punching him a number of times.
The victim was knocked to the ground and kicked a number of times, Inspector Folan said, adding that he received a broken jaw which will possibly require a metal plate.
Stokes, who does not work now and has never worked, was granted legal aid.
Bail conditions include a ban on entering Athlone and staying away from the victim.
He’s also to remain drug and alcohol free, observe a curfew between 10pm and 8am, and sign on three times a week at Roscommon Garda Station.
The case was adjourned to December 18 at Athlone District Court.
