Railway society calendar 2020

The Railway Presentation Society of Ireland 2020 calendar is now available in two local venues.

The calendar ‘Irish Railway Heritage’ is priced €10 and is on sale at Devenney’s shop, Crowe Street, and also at the Spirit Store,George’s Quay.

A 48-year-old man who pleaded guilty to an unprovoked assault has been given an opportunity to pay for damage he caused to a car in the same incident.

Stephen Morgan, Farndreg Estate, Dundalk, admitted charges of assault, criminal damage, intoxication in public and engaging in threatening, abusive and insulting behaviour on 12 November, 2018.

Inspector Liam Archbold told the district court that gardaí received a report of an assault outside McGeough’s bar and restaurant, Roden Place.

The victim complained that while reversing his car he heard a bang. Another man appeared to have kicked the vehicle.

When he got out, this person stared aggressively at him before punching him in the chest. No medical attention was required.

Inspector Archbold added the victim was upset and frightened at what happened.

He gave a description to gardaí who later located Stephen Morgan in Clanbrassil Street.

He admitted he was in an altercation and that he kicked a car and pushed a man.

The court heard a quote of €855.30 was received to fix the car which was for repairs to the front passenger door, paint and labour.

There was no history between the parties, and the incident was ‘completely unprovoked’.

There are no previous convictions. The victim, who was present in court, accepted an apology made on Morgan’s behalf. He said he would be happy if his car was repaired.

Solicitor Conor MacGuill added both men had been in McGeough’s earlier, and the defendant had followed the other man to his car.

Morgan appreciated the other party was minding his own business.

Judge McKiernan asked why no compensation had been paid to date, and Mr MacGuill sought an adjournment for that to happen. His client was on social welfare and would need four months.

The judge put the case back to 26 February, remanding Morgan on continuing bail until then. She warned that would be it and no more time would be given.

Judge McKiernan described the case as very unusual and very upsetting for the victim.