Former ‘Fair City’ villain spared jail over attack
A ‘FAIR City’ star who punched and bit his former partner during a vicious attack has been spared a jail sentence.
Actor Patrick Fitzpatrick (33), who played Carrigstown villain Zumo Bishop for six years in the RTÉ television soap, appeared at Dublin District Court yesterday for sentencing. He received a 12-month probation bond for the attack.
He pleaded guilty earlier to assault causing harm to Theresa Gannon at his home at Hollytree Terrace, Ballymun, on September 4, 2015.
The charge was under Section Three of the Non Fatal Offences Against the Person Act. The offence, at district court level, can carry a sentence of up to one year.
Judge John Lindsay noted Fitzpatrick had complied with his order, made at an earlier stage, to pay €2,000 to his former partner.
He was also furnished with an updated probation report on the accused as well as a reference from an employer.
Defence counsel Simon Donagh said his client had engaged positively with the Move organisation, which helps address domestic violence, and Fitzpatrick was also going to AA. However, the judge pointed out the probation report stated he had not been attending. Mr Donagh explained there had been a gap but Fitzpatrick was now going again, three times a week.
Judge Lindsay remarked that a good probation report on Fitzpatrick had been furnished to the court and told him: “Well done.”
He said Fitzpatrick must continue attending and complete a 26-week course at Move. Fitzpatrick told the judge he was already in the third module of the course.
He replied “I am, yes” when asked to confirm he had gone back to AA. He also explained he has been attending addiction counselling.
Finalising the case, Judge Lindsay said he must continue attending these services as a condition of his probation bond.
At an earlier hearing, Gda Niall Carolan had said Fitzpatrick bit the woman’s upper arm but did not break the skin. He also said the actor then punched her twice on the side of her jaw.
Photos of her injuries were shown to the court. She suffered bruising and a medical report on her was furnished to the court.
Gda Carolan also told the court the victim had made a full recovery.
In February last year, Judge Lindsay had suggested the sum of €2,000 should be paid to Ms Gannon.
Fitzpatrick played ‘Fair City’ gangster Zumo Bishop for six years from 2007-2013 and briefly reprised the role last year.