A man who pleaded guilty to assaulting another man escaped with a fine at Castlecomer District Court this week.
Thomas Hayes, with an address of Kyleballygalvin, The Commons, Thurles, Co Tipperary, pleaded guilty to the offence which occurred at Mill Street, Freshford on December 27.
Supt Walter O'Sullivan told the court that the defendant struck the injured party in the face, as he was getting up off the ground following an encounter between the two men. The injured party suffered cuts and bruises to the face, and had no recollection of the incident.
Solicitor for the defendant, Eugene O'Sullivan, said that his client greatly regretted the incident and wished to apologise unreservedly for his actions. He told the court that Mr Hayes was intoxicated and was being driven home by his partner at the time the incident occurred. Mr O'Sullivan told the court that the injured party had flagged down their vehicle. “Some words were spoken between the two, and my client misinterpreted what was said. An altercation then ensued with both men fighting on the ground. They were then separated by a passerby, and as the injured party got up, he was struck by my client,” said Mr O'Sullivan.
Judge William Harnett fined the defendant €400 for the offence.
