A six-months pregnant woman was punched in the stomach by a drunk and abusive man who claimed that his drink had been “spiked”, the Galway District Court heard this week.
Kevin Salcombe offered the explanation of his drink being spiked after the court heard last Monday how he had been fighting in a city centre bar before being taken outside by female friends but then assaulted them.
The 21-year-old with an address at 23b Cnoc Na Coille, Ballybrit, pleaded guilty to being intoxicated in a public place, threatening and abusive behaviour, and assault at Eyre Square on June 1, 2008.
Inspector Ernie White told the court that at 12.45am in Kennedy’s Bar the defendant had been involved in a row with another man and was asked to leave. Two women who knew Salcombe took him outside however he then assaulted them. Inspector White said that one woman received a cut to the nose and a black eye. He added that Salcombe, who had been very drunk and aggressive, had to be held by nearby security men.
Salcombe’s solicitor Susan McLoughlin said that the defendant maintained that his drink had been “spiked” and that he only had five drinks. She said that Salcombe, who is from Birmingham, had no previous convictions and could not recall the night.
However, the court then heard how the extent of the injuries sustained by the women went much further. One injured party told Judge Mary Fahy how she had been out for her hen party before being assaulted by the defendant. She said that her friend received a black eye and that she sustained bruises to her arms and had been “punched in the stomach” while six months pregnant. When asked if she wanted Salcombe to go to jail she replied: “I don’t really care if he goes to prison. I was very worried about my baby”.
Judge Mary Fahy then offered the defendant the chance to do community service instead of going to jail. However she warned there were several people who have not complied with community service orders and that the court will no longer take any nonsense.
“They should be thankful instead of abusing the system. The gloves are now off,” said Judge Fahy who then ordered Salcombe to complete 150 hours community service in lieu of four months in prison and fined him €100 with two months to pay. The case was then adjourned to April 27 for a community service report
