Five months for affray at the Fleadh

A 27-year-old man caught on CCTV punching another male has been sentenced to five months imprisonment after pleading guilty to a charge of affray which arose out of an incident during Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann.

The defendant, Karl Vogelaar, unemployed, of Oulster Lane, has 49 previous convictions. His solicitor added he represented Ireland at pool and snooker, and played pitch & putt for Louth. He had a serious drug addiction and is engaging with services.

However, Judge Coughlan said in view of Vogelaar’s previous record he was imposing a five-month sentence. Bail to appeal was set at a personal bond of €100 with a €200 independent surety.

Sgt Connell gave evidence that on 19 August last Karl Vogelaar was seen on CCTV walking up Mayoralty Street. Words were exchanged with an unknown male in a tent. This was during the fleadh. Both men started fighting and when the other person, who has not been identified, fell to the floor Vogelaar punched him numerous times.

Cross-examined by solicitor Dermot Monahan, Sgt Connell said he was not aware the accused had got a call from his father at this time saying he was unwell. He did know Mr Vogelaar Snr had a seizure after the incident in question, but the defendant wasn’t in his company at the time.

In a separate matter, Karl Vogelaar pleaded not guilty to trespassing on a property at Donore Road on 4 August last. Mr Monahan said there was no evidence his client was on the property for criminal intent. Judge Coughlan dismissed the charge.