‘Comments on Irish accent’ led to assault

A man who assaulted three people after receiving “harsh comments” about his Irish accent has been spared jail.

Patrick McDonagh, 21, appeared at Stirling Sheriff Court on Wednesday and pleaded guilty to three assault charges.

On May 15 this year, McDonagh was at Taste Budz Indian takeaway in Maxwell Place with family, including one female cousin, when an argument with three other people and a fight occurred.

The court heard how McDonagh had been out drinking.

Fiscal depute, Lindsey Brooks said: “For reasons unknown they became involved in an argument that turned into a fight.

“CCTV showed the accused being aggressive. He is seen grabbing one of the witnesses by the body and punching him.”

McDonagh then went on to assault another man by punching him on the face and then kicking a woman who was on the ground to the body.

Defence solicitor, Ken Dalling noted that McDonagh and his family members had received “harsh comments” about their Irish accents before the fight broke out.

The court also heard how McDonagh told police he felt that he had been defending himself.

Mr Dalling said: “Mr McDonagh came off better than those who he was acting against.

“He has an understanding that he should have walked away.

“Kicking someone on the ground is never a wise thing to do.”

McDonagh, whose address is listed as Bridgend Caravan Park – a Stirling Council site for travelling people, received a community payback order for the offences.

Sheriff Alison McKay said: “You have put yourself in a serious position.

“Punching and kicking someone whilst they are on the ground is simply unacceptable.” Sheriff McKay ordered McDonagh to carry out 150 hours of unpaid work within the next 12 months.