Punched man whose crutch hurt girlfriend

A KILLORGLIN man who punched a man who was on crutches after one of the walking aids unintentionally connected with his girlfriend, has agreed to hand over €750 to the court poor box following an appearance at Killorglin District Court on Thursday.

Jason Spillane, 34 Ardmoniel Heights was charged with threatening, abusive and insulting behaviour at The Square, Killorglin at 2.40am on August 10, 2014, the morning before the opening events of last year’s Puck Fair.

Sgt Adrian Brennan told the court that he had been dealing with the defendant’s girlfriend outside the Forge Nightclub following her ordeal when Mr Spillane became very agitated. “I told him to calm down and stop being aggressive but he punched the male on crutches,” the sergeant stated, adding: “In fairness he did apologise”.

“What kind of punch?” Judge James O’Connor queried, to which the sergeant replied: “Into the face, it knocked him back a bit but he didn’t pursue the matter as there was no complaint made later.”

Judge O’Connor said that this was very fair of the injured party who is from County Limerick.

Solicitor Liam Crowley said his client, a self-employed car salesman, regretted the matter but his actions had arisen from the fact that his girlfriend had been struck.

Sergeant Brennan then said that he didn’t think that this initial strike was intentional.

Mr Crowley then offered a sum of €500 for the court poor box to avoid a conviction but the judge said that the figure didn’t take into consideration the fact that the injured party was on crutches.

A figure of €750 was finally agreed upon and the case was adjourned until July 16 for payment to be made.