Man ( 58) knocked ex- wife’s partner to the ground in ‘ nasty assault’

A 58- year- old man lay in wait at a car park to confront the partner of his former wife, Sligo District Court was told.

As a result of an incident at Porter’s Yards, Market Yard on February 2nd 2016 last, James Gormley admitted assaulting Colm Fleming.

The court heard that Mr Fleming was in a relationship with Gormley’s former wife for some seven or eight years. The defendant had been separated for ten years.

Mr Fleming told the court he had parked his car at the yard and was walking out the gate going to work “oblivious to anything” when he was sud- denly knocked to the ground. When he looked up he saw the defendant and his son.

Witness was put up against a wall and threatened. The defendant and his son eventually left after they said they made their point. This was in relation to staying away from the defendant’s ex- wife.

Mr Fergal Kelly, solicitor ( defending) pointed out that CCTV showed Mr Fleming had been “given a shoulder.”

Mr Kelly said Gormley was extremely heartbroken on realising his former wife was in a new relationship.

“Mr Fleming didn’t suffer any injury though it was an incident no one should suffer on the street,” said Mr Kelly.

He realised he had to move on with his life and focus on his six grown up children, said Mr Kelly.

Judge Kevin Kilrane said he noted the line of defence questioning based on instructions given.

He said the defendant lay in wait for Mr Fleming and there was maliceaforethought. It was quite a nasty thing to do. Gormley had intended delivering a message.

It was noteworthy there was no apology forthcoming from Gormley, added the Judge.

He fined Gormley € 400.