‘Most vicious attack’ garda says he’d ever witnessed
A father and son, who carried out what a garda described as ‘ the most vicious and unprovoked assault’ he has witnessed, have appeared before Drogheda Court.
Vasilie Covaci (50), 5 Riverside Crescent, Marsh Road, Drogheda; and Christian Covaci (26), of the same address, each pleaded guilty to a charge of assault.
Video footage of the incident in West Street on 27 June, 2016, was played for Judge Coughlan, and it showed the two accused, punching and kicking a young man as he lay on the footpath.
The attack occurred at 1pm, and Garda Kenneth Rogan said he encountered two men matching descriptions given of the culprits.
He cautioned them both, and Christian Covaci claimed he had been accosted by a man who attempted to take his wallet.
However, Gda Rogan said there was no theft. Rather, the victim was set upon as he walked out onto the street.
The officer said it was the most vicious and unprovoked assault he had witnessed. In his view, the injured party needed immediate medical attention, but he declined. He suffered injuries to his ribs, face, arms and legs.
Solicitor Patrick Brannigan said some weeks before, the victim had an issue with Christian Covaci, who felt aggrieved, but it was no excuse.
Both he and his father are long-term unemployed. Vasilie Covaci is married with five children, and on disability allowance.
Neither man has previous convictions.
Mr Brannigan added they have €500 with them to offer as compensation, but the judge said he wanted more than that.
However, after hearing from the victim that he was happy with €500, Judge Coughlan struck out the charges.
‘ They (the Covacis) are not working. It’s a lot of money for them’, he said. The two men were granted legal aid.