Friction between two mature men who have a daughter and granddaughter in common resulted in one punching the other in the face in a Tuam pub and the assault coming before a special sitting of the local District Court.
Before Judge Vincent Deane was Michael Connolly (55 ), 12 Athenry Rd, Tuam accused of assaulting Gregory Leonard (56 ) in the Rustic Vaults pub in the town on July 2, 2023.
A guilty plea to common assault, reduced from one of assault causing harm, was accepted by the State.
Garda Kelly told of arriving at the pub at 12.45am on foot of a report that a male had been assaulted. She spoke to Gregory Leonard at the scene and he told her Connolly had punched him in the face and cut his lip. CCTV footage from inside the pub was viewed at the trial.
Garda Insp Stan O’Grady told Judge Deane that there was “background” between the two men. Leonard had been in a relationship with Connolly’s daughter and the couple had a child together, Connolly’s granddaughter.
Gregory Leonard took to the witness box to give his victim impact statement. He said he was not the type of person who got in trouble and just wanted to get on with his life. He added that Connolly had sent two people to offer him money, he didn’t know how much, not to take the matter to Court.
He said he just wanted to put this matter behind him and he had no contact with Connolly.
Gary McDonald BL for Connolly pleaded that his client wanted to offer his victim a full apology and wanted them to get on as there was a daughter and granddaughter to think of.
Mr McDonald said this involved two mature adults who had children to think of. His client over-reacted, it was stupid and immature but Connolly felt there had been a slight in the pub. He was very anxious over the case and wanted it over with.
Judge Deane said describing both men as mature was questionable and the CCTV footage suggested both behaved in a very immature manner.
He added that it was obvious from the footage that Mr Leonard “had very strong views” but this was no excuse for Connolly’s reaction and he was lucky there had not been more serious effects than a cut lip.
“There is no doubt there was provocation but this did not justify the assault and it certainly wasn’t self-defence,” the Judge added.
In conclusion he said it was the daughter and granddaughter caught up in this he felt sorry for. Both men should be setting an example for them and this incident certainly wasn’t one.
A conviction for common assault and a fine of €400 were imposed on the defendant.
