A 21 year old man who smashed a glass into another man’s head in an unprovoked attack has been told he must come up with a compensation package for his victim.
Conor O’Leary smashed the glass into the head of Ciaran O’Brien at the Loch Altan Hotel in Gortahork.
The men had been chatting about cars before the incident occurred but had not had a disagreement
Falcarragh District Court heard that Mr O’Brien had suffered serious injuries as a result of the attack which happened on January 3rd, 2012.
Part of his ear was severed and he also had a head wound which left a scar.
The victim had previously flown back from Australia to give evidence and this had cost him Aus $4,0000.
Mr O’Brien was not in court but his mother came to speak on his behalf.
She said her son had suffered scarring but was trying to get on with his life.
O’Leary, a member of Cloughaneely GAA club said he could not explain why he attacked Mr O’Brien whom he said he had known.
Judge Paul Kelly said it was a particularly cowardly attack and asked had O’Leary apologised to his victim and he was told he had.
“This was a very serious assault which was unprovoked by his own admission and carried out in a cowardly way form behind and caused what are serious injuries,” said Judge Kelly.
He adjourned the case until May 15th for a probation report and told O’Leary to prepare a compensation package for his victim.