CHIN & TONIC

Student fined €6,000 for assault after drink mocked

A STUDENT has been told to pay out €6,000 after assaulting another man in a row over a gin and tonic.

Lee Flynn, 22, flew into a rage over a remark about his choice of drink.

The fourth-year business and marketing undergraduate was socialising with friends at The Front Door in Galway on January 12 last year.

The city’s District Court heard yesterday that, after drinking “a lot” of alcohol, Flynn took offence at the comment and assaulted the man with a single punch.

It was not disclosed what the remark was.

Flynn, from Ennis in Co Clare, had met the victim earlier in the night when there was “chat and banter” between them, his solicitor said.

The 31-year-old victim told the court the attack had left him with breathing difficulties due to deviated nasal bones.

He may need further surgery to correct this, which he estimated at costing €5,000 after speaking with a specialist.

He also revealed he was left with significant bruising and black eyes which made looking for employment “very difficult”. He had just returned home from a period of working abroad.

Flynn’s solicitor said his client was “disgusted” by his behaviour on the night and had fully co-operated with gardai.

The victim said he welcomed an apology offered by the defendant and agreed the attack was out of character.

He indicated he would accept €3,000 Flynn had brought with him. Judge Mary Fahy ordered a further €3,000 to be paid within two months.

Flynn is due back before the court on April 10.