INNOCENT VICTIMS BEATEN SENSELESS

TWO Listowel youths accused of beating two men senseless in separate attacks just minutes apart in the town last month were warned by a district court judge that if they so much as ‘ breathe in the wrong direction’ they will go to jail.

Thomas Diggin, 10 Baile O Dubhda, John B Keane Road, and Finn Scratchley, Dromerin, Listowel, were each charged with the assault of an Aiden O’Sullivan and Joseph Shine on August 18 last. Mr O’Sullivan was ‘all of a sudden set upon’ by two youths who punched and kicked him repeatedly into the face on William Street at 1.30am on the date, Sgt Kieran O’Connell told Judge James O’Connor at Listowel District Court on Thursday.

Mr O’Sullivan suffered a broken nose, two broken front teeth and required 14 stitches to his face as a result of the brutal attack.

25 minutes later and half a mile away, Mr Shine was ‘ set upon’ by two young men just as he reached the driveway to his home, as they kicked him repeatedly to the face and body, causing what gardaí described as ‘severe swelling’.

Mr Diggin (18) and Mr Scratchley (19) were charged with assault causing harm to both men. Judge O’Connor accepted jurisdiction in the case after hearing the State’s evidence.

He remanded both in custody with consent to continuing bail on their own bond of €1,000 ahead of an October 19 return date - on condition they observe a curfew of between 11 and 8am and sign on regularly at Listowel Garda Station. Judge O’Connor issued each the same stark warning: “If you so much as breathe in the wrong direction, open your mouth to anyone or mess around with anyone you will be going to jail”.