A district court judge has called for more security staff to be on hand to handle large and potentially volatile crowds at fast-food restaurants late at night.
Judge Mary Fahy made the comments at Galway District Court last Monday before directing Lorcan Grall to pay €5,000 in compensation to a man he headbutted a least three times while in a busy queue in Supermacs, Eyre Square.
The 20-year-old defendant, with an address at 92 Clonkeen, Ratoath, Meath, pleaded guilty to being intoxicated in a public place, threatening and abusive behaviour, and the assault of Steven Lawless causing him harm.
Inspector Pat McHugh told the court that on December 19, 2008, Steven Lawless had been out with his brother and had joined the queue at Supermacs at around 2.15am. There was “quite a large crowd,” said the inspector, who added that Mr Lawless had made a comment to the defendant, standing in front of him, about the length of the queue. Suddenly, Grall headbutted Mr Lawless over the left eye and continued to headbutt him at least two more times. Gardai were on hand quickly and Sgt Brendan Moore found the aggressive defendant near the fountain in Eyre Square.
“He was obnoxious and arrogant. He said, ‘Do you realise who I am? I can have your job’,” said Inspector McHugh, who then handed photos into the court which showed the injuries sustained which were “small open wounds” down the side of one eye and lips.
Defence solicitor Adrian MacLynn said that his client, who has no previous convictions, suffers from ADHD and needed to be given time to pay compensation.
Mr Lawless, a student at NUI, then told Judge Fahy that the incident happened on the night he had finished his course for Christmas. He said that there was “no provocation whatsoever” and that he only remembered being headbutted once and he can’t recall anything after that. He said that he has been left with a scar on the inside of his lips which he described as “not sore, just kinda awkward”. Under further questioning by the judge Mr Lawless added that after the incident he did not come out his room for about a week.
Inspector McHugh then commented that similar offences are “quite frequent because of the number of people”.
“All parents are very concerned when their daughters or sons are on a night out because they could end up assaulted, in hospital, or not come home at all. I’m speaking as a parent and a judge.
“I would expect that around Christmas security would not let so many people in. Everyone gets out of the clubs and pubs at the same time. I’m not blaming the restaurants or the proprietors but this needs to be addressed, that during flash point times like Christmas and the Galway Races extra staff be on hand to keep people out until they can be served,” said Judge Fahy.
The defendant was then remanded on continuing bail to appear again on July 16 [today] for payment of €1,000 in compensation. The case is expected to be further adjourned to allow time for an additional €4,000 to be paid.
