Ref is paid €5,000 by player who struck him
A SOCCER referee who suffered a broken jaw and fractured eye socket in a violent assault at the end of a match two years ago has been paid €5,000 compensation by his attacker.
Tullamore Circuit Criminal Court was told yesterday that Dean Dinnegan (22), of Dalton Park, Mullingar, Co Westmeath, had brought the money to court for his victim.
Dinnegan had pleaded guilty to a charge of assault causing harm in an attack on referee Daniel Sweeney at a match at the grounds of Horseleap United, Co Offaly, on November 11, 2018.
He also pleaded guilty to producing a golf club during the course of the incident.
Sentencing was adjourned by Judge Karen Fergus after hearing a probation report on Dinnegan had not been prepared in time because of the Covid-19 restrictions.
Defence counsel Niall Flynn said he believed his client, who is a member of the Traveller community, would benefit from a probation report as it would outline the background to the incident of how he and some other Mullingar Town players were subject to “racist remarks” by players from Horseleap United.
Mr Flynn said the use of such language had also been referenced in the match report by Mr Sweeney.
He acknowledged the referee suffered substantial injuries in what was “a nasty incident” involving up to a dozen players that had got “out of control”.
Mr Flynn said Dinnegan had held his hands up about his role in the attack and pleaded guilty at an early stage.
He claimed a probation report would also be welcome because Dinnegan’s liberty was at risk as he was guilty of a very serious assault at the upper end of the scale.
A letter of apology to Mr Sweeney by Dinnegan was also handed in to the court.
Prosecuting counsel Shane Geraghty said Mr Sweeney, who had required serious medical attention, had made no racist remarks and “did not deserve a broken jaw”.
He pointed out the referee was attempting to calm the situation when he suffered his injuries. Dinnegan was remanded on continuing bail until a future hearing of the case in November.