JUDGE NOT IMPRESSED

‘To be blunt, I’m not very impressed with the circumstances,’ Judge Coughlan has remarked after hearing of an assault which occurred at a filling station, and during which a man was followed and grabbed around the neck.

Before him was Aidan Leonard (26), 11 Barton Park, Cox’s Demesne who pleaded guilty to the offence at Maxol, Castletown Road, on 5 June, 2016.

Sgt Fintan McGroder gave evidence that the victim pulled in to refuel when he was approached by two men, both of whom appeared intoxicated.

They commented on his sunglasses before following him into the shop. One of them caught the man in a headlock and he found it hard to breathe.

When the victim called out for the guards, his assailants let him go.

The injured party then paid for his fuel and left the premises.

Solicitor Niall Lavery said a probation report is available and it recommends his client be put on a probation bond, given his full co-operation with the service.

However, the judge decided on an up-to-date report and to find out if Leonard is suitable for community service.

He indicated a sentence of three months imprisonment but did not specify yet a number of hours community service in lieu.

The case was adjourned to 12 September next.