Pub row over card tricks lands magician in court

A ROW over a card trick performance in a Listowel Pub has led to an amateur magician appearing before the courts.

Patrick Puchalski (30) with an address at 21 Ardmore Lawn, Bray County Wicklow appeared before Listowel District Court charged with assaulting a bartender and causing criminal damage at The Saddle Bar on William Street Upper, Listowel on the morning of August 22 last.

The court heard that Mr Puchalski – who now resides in Galway – was an amateur magician and on the previous night he had arrived at the bar where he performed a number of card tricks for patrons.

The court heard that, during the course of the evening an unidentified person on the premises – who it is understood was not a staff member and had nothing to do with the business – told Mr Puchalski he would be paid €150 for the performance.

During the hearing Judge O’Connor was told that the unknown person who had supposedly promised Mr Puchalski payment had “fainted from drink” not long afterwards.

The following morning he arrived at the bar and asked one of the bar staff for payment to be told that the bar knew nothing of any such arrangement and that there was no money owing to him.

In anger Mr Puchalski then knocked 48 stacked pint glasses off the counter, causing the bartender to cut her hand.

Patrick Puchalski – who has no previous convictions – said he was deeply sorry about the incident, that he had “seen red” and that he had never intended hurting anyone.

The court heard that the bartender had brought no claim in relation to her injury.

Judge O’Connor ordered Mr Puchalski to pay compensation of €1,250 and adjourned the matter to the February 2, 2017 sitting of the court.