AN Oranmore man offered to pay his cousin €2,500 in compensation for assaulting her in a city food outlet, when his case came before Galway District Court.
Tony Fahy, Ballinacross, Oranmore, pleaded guilty to assaulting his victim in the Nut Hut Chinese takeaway on Bridge Street at 3.45am on February 9, 2025.
Judge Fiona Lydon was told the victim suffered injuries to her head and arm. Fahy admitted the assault.
Michael Cunningham solr (defending ) said Fahy was “extremely regretful and offered an unreserved apology to the victim.” She was a second cousin but they didn’t really know each other.
Mr Cunningham said the woman approached his client and words were exchanged. She says she touched him lightly on the cheek but his client said it was more than light.
His client was 49, a father and was extremely embarrassed by what had happened. He has always worked and never before came to Garda attention. He had €2,500 to offer to his victim as a gesture of his remorse which she could take or nominate a charity for it to be donated.
The defence pleaded that no prison time be imposed as the defendant had a job and a family.
On the day in question he was at a hurling match in Salthill and too much alcohol had been consumed.
Judge Lydon asked the victim what injuries she suffered and she said she had bruising to her cheek and her right hand was extremely painful for a long time afterwards. She accepted the €2,500 offered by Fahy.
Judge Lydon decided if the defendant was found suitable for community service she would impose 200 hours in lieu of four months in prison.
