People must not think that the courts are soft in relation to compensation, according to Judge Mary Fahy who imposed a seven month sentence on a 27-year-old man who failed to cough up more than €2,000 in compensation for an assault and criminal damage incident that took place in late 2008.
The comment was made at Galway District Court on Monday where it was learnt that despite the chances and lenghty time given, Gareth Walsh with an address at 120 Ballinfoyle Park, Headford Road, had only come up with €150 instead of the €2,200 that was required for compensation.
Walsh first appeared in court early last February where it was revealed that he had attacked a student at a house party before leaving and trying to get back into the wrong house by breaking windows and a glass door.
He was charged with being intoxicated in a public place, assaulting Liam O’Flaherty causing him harm at 53 Hazelpark, Newcastle, and with tresspass and criminal damage, causing €500 damage to the front door and the glass of a front door at 51 Hazelpark, Newcastle, on December 22, 2008.
Inspector Ernie White told the court at the time that the defendant had been at a house party when he suddenly punched Mr O’Flaherty, resulting in a chipped tooth, swollen face, and bruises to the back of the head. Walsh then left the house and walked down the road, but later returned to what he thought was the right place. He then broke the front window of the house two doors down and climbed inside.
Walsh was ordered to pay €2,200 for compensation, witness expenses, and the criminal damage. The matter was then adjourned.
However, when the case resumed this week the court heard that Walsh had only managed to scrape €150 together and that his family were unable to help. Defence solicitor Valerie Corcoran said that her client has been unable to sell his car, which is worth more. She also asked Judge Fahy to consider community service or another compensation order.
“People might think the courts are soft, that they take whatever is thrown at them... this is an assault going back to 2008, he couldn’t come up with more than €150?” said Judge Fahy, who then imposed the seven month sentence.
