Row broke out because student moved out

A student was assaulted by his former housemates because he had moved out of the house they were sharing, Sligo District Court was told. Dain Doherty (21) of Bocan, Culdaff, Co Donegal and David Hocobian (21) of Glencar, Co Leitrim pleaded guilty to assaulting Philip Stewart at Brookfield, Sligo on February 6 th 2017. Inspector Paul Kilcoyne told the court Mr Stewart had known the two defendants since the end of 2015 and they had initially got on well together and shared accommodation. He said the injured party had left the house because of unruly behaviour and he decided to move out. On the night of the assault he said Mr Stewart was walking home after a night out when the two defendants appeared and proceeded to assault him. He said Dain Doherty hit him on the cheek and then both defendants assaulted him for about a minute. Inspector Kilcoyne told the court that another witness would say that the assault was planned. The injured party said he couldn’t go to college for a week and also missed a week of work in the hospitality sector because of his injuries which included a big puffy face. He also had marks on his back.

He said he didn’t go out for a few months after the assault and didn’t go out on his own anymore. He told the judge he was attacked because after he left the house it affected the defendants’ deposits. Mr Mark Mullaney solicitor for Dain Doherty said his client had brought €500 to court for compensation. He said Doherty’s family had emigrated to Canada and said a conviction would have ramifications for him. Mr John Anderson solicitor for David Hocobian said his client also had €500 in court. Both extended their apologies to the injured party.

Judge Kilrane said they had given Mr Stewart a good and substantial beating in the early hours. He said he was prepared to deal with the matter short of a conviction but it would cost them another €1000 each. The case was adjourned to June for both to bring the money with them to court.