An east Inishowen man
who pleaded guilty this week to assault must pay at
least €8,500 to his victim in compensation or face
jail, a local court has heard.
Neil McSkeane, Glenagivney, Kinnagoe Bay, admitted
assaulting the victim four years ago outside a
nightclub behind the Foyle Hotel in Moville.
The victim, a plasterer, told Carn court he was struck with a
bottle in the left eye and now the "vision isn't as
good as it was". He had to attend an eye specialist
after the attack and lost seven weeks work.
Defence solicitor Philip White said his client, now
23, insisted he had not used any weapon in the
assault and that he had used his fist.
After the incident in 2003, he said McSkeane had to
leave the area as a result of threats to his person.
Mr. White said his client, an asthmatic, also
suffered anxiety attacks in the aftermath of the
incident.
Judge Derek McVeigh said the assault, which caused
serious harm, warranted a prison sentence. Mr. White
pleaded for leniency, however, on the grounds his
client had never been in court "before or since" and
had tendered a guilty plea.
The judge indicated he was considering a four-month
jail term. However, he said if the defendant paid
€8,500 as a "contribution towards compensation", the
matter could be revisited. The case was adjourned
until October 16th, 2007, for compensation to be
paid. A fine of €500 for public disorder on the date
in question was also imposed on the defendant. |
